A safe and balanced lineup does not bring the same energy as a gutsy, stars-and-scrubs-type build. In order for us to roster aspirational names like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts, we will need to take some shots at the underbellies of the batting order, colloquially referred to as the “punt plays.” This is why we are introducing our MLB DFS Punt Plays series to do just that.
A quality MLB DFS punt play is not only cheap to roster but crucially carries an upside worth pursuing. In baseball, that often translates into an inconsistent batter with power-hitting or stolen base potential. Or it could be a volatile pitcher offering strikeout upside and the ability to pitch deep into ballgames. Whatever the reason, there is enough rationale to believe that punt plays exceed the value of their price tag and recognizing a great punt play is critical to success in MLB DFS.
This article will highlight the top punt plays available on Monday’s nine-game MLB main slate, locking at 7:07 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – April 15
Lenyn Sosa – 2B/3B, CWS vs. KC
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,500
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,200
With Luis Robert Jr., Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jimenez all on the injured list, Lenyn Sosa has been thrust into an everyday role for the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old has been in the starting lineup each of the past five games, slotting into the second, fifth and seventh spot in the batting order. The team is struggling to find a configuration that works, but Sosa expects to be a core part of the mix for the foreseeable future.
Sosa hasn’t been very successful at the major league level in prior stints, but his prolific minor league production makes his upside apparent. He generated a .990 OPS in Triple-A to start off this season, up from a .820 OPS across 71 Triple-A Games in 2023 and a .881 OPS over 119 minor league appearances in 2022. Sosa is still young and has a worthwhile ceiling at his price. He has the fifth-highest-graded value score among all players today.
Seth Lugo is a moderately popular pitching option today. It’s easy to see the surface appeal given his favorable matchup with the White Sox and 1.45 ERA through three starts. However, the underlying numbers suggest Lugo is a much less dominant pitcher, starting with a 4.58 xFIP. He surrendered a .444 xSLG last season, alongside similarly concerning batted-ball metrics like a 90.7 mph average exit velocity, 9.6% barrel rate and a 44.2% hard-hit rate.
Ross Stripling – SP, OAK vs. STL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $7,100
Punting at pitcher is a risky endeavor, and today is no different. If you’re inclined to save salary for premium hitting, then I suggest considering Ross Stripling. He has an uninspiring 5.50 ERA through his first three starts of the season, but the advanced numbers are more forgiving. Stripling has a 3.91 xFIP, up from a 3.98 xFIP in 2023 and a 3.82 career mark. His 17.7% strikeout rate illustrates a limited ceiling, though Stripling can stifle hard contact at an impressive clip. That includes a 25% hard-hit rate, 1.7% barrel rate and an 85.7 mph average exit velocity.
Picking up where they left off last season, the St. Louis Cardinals bring one of baseball’s most disappointing offenses. They are scoring only 3.8 runs per game through their first 16 contests this season. That includes a weak 84 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. There is name-brand value in this lineup, but it is not a team opposing pitchers fear.
Kike Hernandez – OF, LAD vs. WSH
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,900
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,200
A left-handed pitcher on the mound signals a likely Kike Hernandez start today. Hernandez is off to a slow start in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, sporting a .200/.237/.200 slash line through 12 games this season. However, the batted-ball metrics show some signs of life. Hernandez has a 46.4% hard-hit rate and a 42.9% sweet-spot rate. He is on the roster to hit left-handed pitchers, and Hernandez has a career .455 slugging percentage against southpaws.
Mitchell Parker makes his MLB debut for the Washington Nationals today. It’s great to see a player’s hard work pay off with a realized dream to play in the majors. That said, it’s also fairly cruel to make him face the Dodgers his first time out. The 24-year-old is not a particularly heralded prospect and had middling results in the minor leagues. Parker posted a 4.72 ERA across 124 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A last season. There is not a lot to dig into here; he’s a left-handed pitcher who probably isn’t ready for this matchup today.
Editor Note: If you’re looking for the best MLB DFS picks daily, we got you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with more of a gambling tilt, our friends over at OddsShopper can get you going by teaching you how to bet on home runs.
