Griffin Canning is the LA Angels Answer in the Rotation

The LA Angels once again saw a starting pitcher get shelled for a handful of runs Thursday night. However, 682 miles away on a mound in Salt Lake, there was something magnificent going on, and it might just be the answer to the Halos’ woes on the mound.

That “something” for the LA Angels is Griffin Canning. If you’re a consistent reader at Halo Hangout, then you know of our affinity for the Halos’ top pitching prospect. Prior to this season, it seemed like Canning May get his first shot in the MLB in July or August. However, it could, and should, come much sooner than that.

While Chris Stratton was struggling to get out of the fifth inning, Canning was throwing another exceptional start for the Salt Lake Bees. He threw six innings of work with little difficulty, doing so on 81 pitches and allowing on four hits.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

Oh, and he didn’t allow a run.

Last season, Canning was able to quickly work all the way through the Angels’ minor league system. However, once he was in Salt Lake, he struggled with a 5.49 ERA. While it wasn’t necessarily concerning given that the Pacific Coast League has historically given pitchers trouble, it didn’t give a ton of confidence either.

Starting pitching is a touchy subject for Angels fans, and rightfully so. So when they selected the first round talent that slipped to the second round because of injury concerns, everyone was a little skeptical. However, that player was Canning and so far, there have been no hiccups in his development.

For the season, Canning’s ERA has lowered to 0.53. He has 17 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched, and is looking more and more like a big league pitcher every time he steps on the mound. If Canning was called up to the Angels tomorrow, and argument could be made that he is the most talented starter in the rotation.

While there will obviously he speed bumps for Canning when he is called up, the Angels need to pull the trigger on it. It’s not very often that a prospect’s development aligns with the major league roster’s positional needs, but that is what’s happening for the Angels right now.

The team needs starting pitchers at The Big A, and Griffin Canning is ready to be a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels.