The New York Mets decision to bring Jason Vargas in to provide insurance for the rotation has been atrocious thus far. After starting the year hurt with a broken hand, he has been bad since returning.
He’s collected a 7.75 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP in seven starts this season. His struggles have been linked somewhat to his disastrous first innings. According to Matt Ehalt of NJ.com, Vargas has an 18.00 ERA in the first inning.
Vargas in the first inning: 18.00 ERA (14 runs/7 innings)
Vargas in every other inning: 4.