10 MLB Starters Who Struggle in the First Inning

Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins

Kyle Gibson is not a top-flight starter at this point in his career; however, he has improved his numbers since last season and been a mainstay in the Twins rotation for 2014. His FIP is down to a respectable 3.75, but his ERA is still a little rough at 4.31, although he cut over two runs off his average. Gibson has shown signs of slowing down, especially in his last two starts where he has given up five runs in each of those outings.

The first inning has been the 26-year-old’s worst this year, with a 5.40 ERA and a .342 OBP. Gibson does have some problems in other innings, leading to the fifth, but he’s let up 15 earned runs in the first, more than in any other inning. Although batters haven’t barraged the Minnesota righty with extra base hits, he has walked 12 batters, his second highest total in any inning. If Gibson is able to cut down on the walks in the first, then he will have an easier time getting through the first frame.