Griffin Canning is returning from an Achilles injury, but should be ready for service with the San Diego Padres very soon.

The San Diego Padres possess a lot of depth throughout the roster.

Unlike the 2025 season, the Padres addressed their need for relevant bench pieces and arms. The Padres secured the services of German Marquez, Walker Buehler, and Marco Gonzalez late in the winter process as they solidified the starting staff.

The Padres also signed California native Griffin Canning.

The former Angel and Met signed a one-year deal for $2.5 million with a mutual option for the 2027 season at $5 million. The UCLA product will start the season on the I.L. after an Achilles injury ended his 2025 season with New York. Canning put up a 3.77 ERA through 16 starts and 76 1/3 innings. In half of those starts with the Mets, he allowed two or fewer runs while going at least five innings. That is exactly what the Padres are looking for in 2026.

This week, things intensified for the right-handed pitcher in Peoria. He successfully threw aggressively off the mound and reported no discomfort.

Canning may feel healthy with his arm, but the Padres are wisely taking their time with the pitcher. Fielding and performing the duties of a pitcher are still a work in progress for the pitcher as he returns from a leg injury. You cannot rush him back too soon.

Canning is getting antsy as he wants to contribute to his new franchise.“I like being on the game mound as much as I can,” Canning said recently after his bullpen session. “I feel like it usually makes my mechanics a little crisper, my pitches a little crisper, and just kind of brings up the intensity a little bit. I’m hoping to face hitters next week sometime. So I just wanted to get out there and get the visuals down.”

The plan is that Canning will face live hitters in his progression. Baby steps. The Padres still want to take it easy with his fielding. Jason Adam is also returning from a leg injury, and the Padres are not rushing him. Griffin Canning may feel healthy with his mechanics, but mobility and fielding in your position are a huge part of being a major leaguer. In time, when he proves his leg health, Canning will be allowed to make his mark in San Diego.

There is no real timetable for his return. Most people suggest late April to early May. “Honestly, I have no idea. The way we kind of have it right now is just kind of like let them keep their eyes on me, and if I’m showing that I can go out there and pitch, then we’ll do it,” Canning said. I think it kind of gives me the most peace of mind, too. I don’t have a date in mind necessarily, so I’m not pushing myself harder than it needs to be pushed and not stressing out about, ‘Oh, I need to be back by this day.’ So I’m just listening to my body and taking it one day at a time.”

The Padres will let Canning get his legs together as they hopefully make a run late into the season.

Though Griffin Canning will be late to the party, he may end up being the life of it when it is all said and done for the Padres.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.