Phil Nevin: Angels’ Griffin Canning ‘Pitched His Tail Off’

The Los Angeles Angels got yet another strong start from Griffin Canning on Saturday afternoon against the Oakland Athletics. He allowed two earned runs on four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. It’s his second quality start in a row since returning from the injured list, but it came in another loss for Phil Nevin and the Angels.

Canning made arguably one mistake his entire outing. It was a center-cut changeup on a 1-2 count in the fourth inning against Brent Rooker. But he was punished for it, as Rooker smacked a two-run shot 436 feet. It was the only runs Canning gave up, but it was all the Athletics needed to scoot past the Angels with a 2-1 win.

The Angels gave away several scoring opportunities, including having the bases loaded with one out in the first and only getting one run. Or when Andrew Velasquez got caught stealing third base with no outs in the seventh inning, leaving the Angels without a chance to tie the game.

But the standout was Canning. Saturday’s start also brought him past 100 innings for the first time in his career. His 1.19 WHIP would be his career best if it stands. Canning gave his thoughts on what he’s accomplished this season, according to Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register:

“I honestly didn’t really put any expectations on it,” Canning said of the season. “Just trying to go one day at a time but obviously it’s pretty cool to come back after missing a year and a half and throw over 100 innings. Still got a couple more starts. Finish strong.”

Nevin was not just impressed by what Canning put together on Saturday, but also with what he’s done all season, even if the Angels offense has not been able to back him up the way Nevin would like.

“He’s pitched his tail off,” Nevin said. “I really like all the pitches, the mixes he uses. He’s kept us in every game. I feel like every time he’s been out there, we’ve had a chance to win for him. I know he’s got seven of them, but he should have more.”

Canning, with his 2023 performance, could be re-establishing his position as a core rotation piece as the Angels look to next season. Health is always a question mark for the 27-year-old, but he seems to have come out of a one-and-a-half year injury hiatus stronger.

Angels finishing 2023 over luxury tax

The Angels waived six players in an attempt to get below the luxury tax threshold before the end of the season. But with only five of the six getting claimed, the Angels remain slightly above the tax line, meaning they’ll receive harsher penalties if they exceed the tax next season.