10 MLB Starters Who Struggle in the First Inning

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

Standards have been set high for Stephen Strasburg, and although he's living up to everything that was expected of him, he's been a solid pitcher this season. He hasn’t done as well in the second half this year, particularly in his last outing against the middle-of-the-road Giants’ offense. He had done well in his previous two starts, but it’s become clear that when it rains, it pours with Strasburg.

One of his biggest problems in his young career has been the first inning. His career 4.11 ERA in the first is his worst average of any inning by more than half a run. This year, he has a 5.46 ERA and a .297 batting average against. His walk total in the first is very similar to what he does in every other inning, but the former first round pick has hitters showing off their power early in his outings.

Of the 21 home runs he’s allowed on the season, eight have come in the first. He has let up five in the second inning, too, but no other inning comes close to rivaling his first frame total. On top of the long balls, Strasburg has given up seven doubles in the first as well, adding to the whopping .559 slugging percentage hitters have against him to start out the game. Strasburg isn’t showing any signs of improving his first inning production, giving up four earned runs in his five starts in August.