Mets' Canning feared to have suffered Achilles injury vs. Braves

New York Mets right-hander Griffin Canning had to be helped off the field after sustaining what the team believes is an Achilles injury during Thursday's start against the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets initially called it a left ankle injury before manager Carlos Mendoza revealed the new likely diagnosis following his team's 4-0 win.

"We think it's an Achilles," Mendoza told reporters. "He's getting an MRI. We're waiting for the result, but it looks like an Achilles injury."

Canning hopped off the mound after throwing a pitch to Nick Allen and collapsed in pain almost immediately. He didn't appear to be able to put much weight on his left leg as he slowly limped to the dugout alongside Mets trainers.

"(It) sucks. You hate to see it, especially the way he went down, right away," Mendoza said. "... Feel sorry for the guy, especially how big he's been for us and the way he's been throwing the ball the whole year."

Canning, 29, had been enjoying the best season of his career before the injury. In 16 starts for the Mets, he owns a 3.77 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts.

The Mets' rotation has been hit hard by injuries all campaign. New York has four starters on the injured list, including ace Kodai Senga and left-hander Sean Manaea, while free-agent addition Frankie Montas just made his season debut after missing most of the first half with a lat injury.

Austin Warren took over on the mound for Canning and combined with three others to throw 6 1/3 shutout innings in relief of their teammate. New York moved back into first place in the NL East with the win.