Mets' Griffin Canning suffers non-contact injury to left leg

The New York Mets' pitching depth took another hit as Griffin Canning left his start with the Atlanta Braves with a non-contact injury to his left leg.

Jun 15, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Griffin Canning (46) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The New York Mets' pitching depth has taken another hit.

After seeing Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill land on the injured list this month, it looks as if Griffin Canning will be joining them with an injury that has the potential to be far more serious than either of the other starters.

Another pitching injury for a Mets team that can ill afford it. This appears to be a left leg issue for Griffin Canning, who can't put weight on it. He exits tonight's game in the third inning.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 26, 2025

Canning, who entered the day with a 7-3 record and 3.91 ERA in 15 starts, allowed one hit over the first 2.2 innings of tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves before Nick Allen hit a slow grounder to shortstop. After attempting to field the ball, Canning's left leg gave out on his way off the mound, causing him to collapse to the ground with Luis Torrens immediately signaling for the training staff to come out.

Griffin Canning is leaving the game with an apparent leg injury pic.twitter.com/FAKwmx66un

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 26, 2025

Canning was unable to put any weight on his left leg as he was assisted off the field. Austin Warren, who was just promoted to the big league roster this afternoon, came on in relief to record the final out of the third inning for what should be another long bullpen day for a Mets' bullpen that can ill afford one.

Read More: Mets call up Austin Warren, option Jonathan Pintaro to Triple-A

Shortly after the injury, the Mets announced that Canning will undergo an MRI; it was initially reported as a left ankle injury, but manager Carlos Mendoza are now under the belief that it is an Achilles injury.

Carlos Mendoza provides an update on Griffin Canning:

"We think it's an Achilles. He's getting an MRI, we're waiting for the results, but it looks like it's an Achilles injury." pic.twitter.com/Wr1vxoxQrN

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 27, 2025

An extended absence for Canning would put even more of a strain on the team's rotation depth. Sean Manaea is about a week away from a return to the team's rotation, but any additional injuries would likely require the Mets to push one of their younger prospects like Nolan McLean or Blade Tidwell into big league service.

The Mets have an off day coming up on Monday, which should allow them to avoid Canning's turn in the rotation until July 5th, when they will be facing the New York Yankees in the Subway Series. It remains unclear who would be in line to make that start if Manaea isn't ready to go at that point.