OC Register: Angels pitching prospect Griffin Canning made a strong impression at Triple-A

[AngelsWin.com]

ARLINGTON, Texas — Although Griffin Canning didn’t reach the majors at the end of his first professional season, one of his admirers did.

Catcher Joe Hudson was among the players the Angels added on Tuesday in the latest round of September roster expansion, and he brought with him glowing reports on the Angels’ top pitching prospect.

“He’s going to be something special,” Hudson said. “He’s got plus command with four or five plus pitches.”

Canning, the Angels’ second-round pick out of UCLA last year, began the season at Class-A and rose through Double-A and Triple-A. He finished with a 3.65 ERA in 113-1/3 innings. He stuck out 125 and allowed 99 hits.

A product of Santa Margarita Catholic High, the 22-year-old Canning impressed Hudson, 27, with more than just his stuff.

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“What I like about him best is he seems to have it together mentally,” Hudson said. “A young kid that, first full season and in Triple-A, you’d think he’d be overwhelmed and wouldn’t have a routine and wouldn’t know how to prepare for a game, but he does. It seems like he’s been playing for as long as I have.”

Hudson was also impressed by 20-year-old left-hander José Suarez, who also rose through three levels of the Angels’ farm system this year. Suarez had a 3.92 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 117 innings.

“Wise beyond his years as far as how he prepares for a game,” Hudson said. “I’m very impressed with both of those guys. I’m happy for their success. Hopefully, they’ll be here soon.”

For now, Hudson was just thrilled that he made it. A former sixth-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds, Hudson spent nearly six years toiling in the Reds’ system before they released him this summer, and he signed with the Angels.

He realized he might finally get a shot at the big leagues after René Rivera was allowed to go to the Atlanta Braves, moving him up on the organizational catching depth chart. He was set to be the 15th player to make his major league debut with the Angels this season, as they continue to add to the team record that had been 12.

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Hudson said before Tuesday’s game. “I’m sure it will once I put the jersey on and hear the National Anthem. It’s a long, winding road.”

OHTANI UPDATE

Shohei Ohtani returned to the Angels’ lineup as the designated hitter, a sign that his stiff back and sore finger were no longer issues.

Ohtani is scheduled for a light bullpen session on Wednesday, followed by a more intense one on Friday. If he passes both of those tests, he’ll start on the mound on Sunday in Chicago.

Ohtani threw 49 pitches on Sunday night in Houston, his first outing after missing nearly three months rehabbing a grade 2 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament. Despite a drop in velocity, Ohtani has said his elbow is healthy.

ALSO

Andrew Heaney was the Angels’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is baseball’s highest honor for community service. One major league winner will be announced during the World Series. Heaney has traveled to Honduras twice to help upgrade that country’s infrastructure. He also hosted a fundraiser this summer for Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s therapy dog program. …

The Angels also recalled outfielders Michael Hermosillo and Jabari Blash on Tuesday. Along with Hudson, that increased the active roster to 32. They also had set up a locker for Deck McGuire, indicating he’s expected to be recalled on Wednesday. …

Infielder Nolan Fontana was released on Tuesday, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for Hudson. …

Jaime Barría, 22, will pitch against Bartolo Colon, 45, on Wednesday, the second time this season the two have faced each other. They set the Angels record for the largest age gap between two opposing starters, at 23 years, 55 days.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP Jaime Barría, 9-8, 3.46) at Rangers (RHP Bartolo Colon, 7-11, 5.45), Wednesday, 5 p.m., Fox Sports West, KLAA (830 AM)

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