Right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning of the San Diego Padres continues recovering from a ruptured left Achilles tendon sustained last year. Though Canning has resumed throwing, he is not yet ready to return to fielding, which means he will begin the 2026 season on the injured list. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, a comeback in late April is possible but a return in May or June appears more likely.
Details of Canning’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Canning’s injury occurred in June last year while pitching for the New York Mets, with no clear timeline initially given for his rehab. Comparable injuries among other athletes have generally required about a year away from competition. In January, there were optimistic reports suggesting Canning might be ready by Opening Day, but current updates indicate that expectation was premature.
Contract and Performance Insights Before Injury
Despite health uncertainties, the Padres signed Canning to a major league contract featuring a $2.5 million guarantee and performance incentives. Prior to the injury, Canning was effective with the Mets, displaying a shift in pitching style compared to his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. He relied more on cutters and sliders, while reducing his use of four-seam fastballs and knuckle curves.
Last season, Canning started 16 games, pitching 76⅓ innings with a 3.77 earned run average. His strikeout rate stood at 21.3%, and his walk rate was 10.7%, both marginally below average. Notably, he induced ground balls on 50.9% of balls hit against him, a significant improvement over earlier years when he tended to allow more fly balls.
Rotation Landscape for the Padres Heading into 2026
The Padres hope Canning maintains the groundball success once he returns, but his health will dictate adjustments in the pitching staff. Michael King, Joe Musgrove, and Nick Pivetta are currently considered the leading starters, filling three rotation slots. With at least two openings remaining, the team is also contemplating a six-man rotation, which would create roles for three other pitchers.
Matt Waldron will start the season on the injured list after undergoing a procedure for a hemorrhoid, while Yu Darvish is sidelined for the entire year due to elbow surgery. Randy Vásquez and Germán Márquez are viewed as the likely candidates for the other rotation spots. JP Sears is on the roster but has minor league options and is expected to be assigned to Triple-A. Additionally, Walker Buehler, Marco Gonzales, and Triston McKenzie are attending camp as non-roster invitees.
Potential Adjustments Upon Canning’s Return to the Staff
The Opening Day rotation may only be temporary, as Canning’s return will shift the pitching staff configuration. How the Padres clear space for him will depend on the interim performances and health status of their starters. Waldron is projected to rejoin the rotation before Canning, but with a 7.71 ERA last season and no remaining minor league options, the Padres will face a difficult roster decision.
The rotation’s fluid nature underscores the challenges San Diego faces in managing its starting pitchers while coping with injuries and varying performance levels.
