San Diego Padres pitcher Griffin Canning described the 2024 season as the worst of his professional career following a road appearance against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 24. Canning, 30, admitted in a post-game interview that his current slump represents a career low, struggling to find consistency and effectiveness on the mound.
Griffin Canning Confronts Career-Low Performance in Atlanta
Speaking after the Padres’ contest in Atlanta, Georgia, Griffin Canning stated, “This year is the worst season of my baseball career.” The admission comes amid a stretch of struggles where the right-hander has struggled to prevent runs and maintain command, leading to a significant dip in his overall efficiency compared to previous campaigns with the San Diego organization.
The struggle is evident in the box scores. For a pitcher who has previously served as a reliable arm for the Padres, the 2024 season has seen a regression in key metrics. While the Padres’ coaching staff has attempted various adjustments to his approach, the results at Truist Park and in preceding starts have not mirrored the stability Canning provided in earlier years.
Analyzing the Decline in Canning’s 2024 Metrics
To understand why Canning views this as his worst season, one must look at the contrast between his current form and his established baseline. In previous seasons, Canning was known for his ability to eat innings and limit damage, but his 2024 trajectory has been marked by an increase in hits allowed and a higher ERA (Earned Run Average).
According to official Major League Baseball statistics, the gap between a pitcher’s “career average” and their “current season” performance often reveals whether a slump is a temporary dip or a fundamental mechanical issue. For Canning, the lack of swing-and-miss capability has made him more vulnerable to high-scoring innings, particularly against disciplined lineups like the Atlanta Braves.
Impact on the San Diego Padres Rotation
The Padres are currently managing a rotation where health and consistency are paramount for a postseason push. Canning’s struggles place additional pressure on the bullpen and the other starters to compensate for short outings. When a veteran pitcher faces a slump of this magnitude, it often leads to a shift in the rotation hierarchy or a move to the bullpen for refinement.
The Padres’ front office and coaching staff must now decide if Canning’s issues are mental—stemming from the frustration he voiced in Atlanta—or physical. The transition from a reliable starter to a struggling arm can happen quickly in professional baseball, often requiring a return to the minor leagues or a rigorous mechanical overhaul to regain lost velocity or movement.
The Psychological Toll of the Professional Slump
Baseball is a game of confidence, and Canning’s public admission of a “worst season” highlights the psychological burden of a prolonged slump. For a 30-year-old veteran, the realization that performance is trending downward can be more taxing than the actual statistics. The pressure to perform for a global audience and a demanding fanbase in San Diego adds a layer of complexity to his recovery process.
Pitchers often experience these “valley” periods in their careers. The key to recovery is usually a combination of adjusted grip, change in pitch sequencing, and mental resetting. By acknowledging the severity of his current state, Canning may be attempting to clear the air and restart his approach from a place of honesty regarding his performance.
Next Steps for the Padres Right-Hander
The immediate focus for Canning will be the next scheduled start, where he will attempt to break the cycle of low performance. The Padres’ training staff will likely analyze the data from the Atlanta series to determine if there is a specific pitch—such as the fastball or slider—that hitters have timed too effectively.
For the San Diego Padres, the goal is to stabilize the rotation as they navigate the mid-season grind. Whether Canning can turn the corner or if the team will seek further reinforcements will depend on his ability to implement the adjustments discussed following the May 24 game.
Follow official San Diego Padres updates for the latest roster moves and pitching assignments.
Keep reading
