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 Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr., 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 has 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 Tuesday’s 10-game MLB main slate, locking at 7:05 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
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MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – April 23
Michael King – SP, SD vs. COL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $7,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $9,000
He is not so much of a punt play on FanDuel, but on DraftKings, Michael King is the top-graded value play at pitcher today. Through five appearances, the 28-year-old has a respectable 3.33 ERA alongside an above-average 25.4% strikeout rate. The peripheral numbers haven’t been up to the expectation King established in 2023. However, his matchups thus far have been difficult, including two matchups with the Los Angeles Dodgers and one with a surging Milwaukee Brewers lineup.
The Colorado Rockies present the most favorable matchup yet for King. They are plating just 3.5 runs per game through 23 contests, including a horrid 76 wRC+ and 27.6% strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers. Of course, Coors Field offers a bump for offense, but not enough to make this Rockies lineup look good. The hope is that the Coors reputation could drive down ownership, but that doesn’t look to be the case today, as King projects to be the second-chalkiest pitcher on this slate.
Josh Rojas – 3B, SEA vs. TEX
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,900
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,500
Josh Rojas is coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign, but he has responded nicely this season. Through 16 games, the 30-year-old has a strong .311/.392/.422 slash line and a 148 wRC+. That consists of an impressive 45.7% sweet-spot rate, a .454 xSLG and a .361 xwOBA. He has been one of the more consistent producers in the Seattle Mariners lineup, and fortunately for us, Rojas’ price tag has not caught up to his production yet. He is the top-graded value play among all players today by a considerable margin.
Dane Dunning’s 3.91 ERA looks good on the surface, but he is due for some massive negative regression. As a jumping-off point, Dunning sports an ugly 6.81 xERA, which includes a problematic 13.5% walk rate alongside very concerning batted-ball metrics. Opposing hitters are squaring him up to the tune of a .540 xSLG, 93 mph average exit velocity, 15.5% barrel rate and 51.7% hard-hit rate. Dunning has been nothing short of lucky so far.
Heston Kjerstad – OF, BAL vs. LAA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,400
MLB DFS FanDuel: N/A
News of Heston Kjerstad being re-called from Triple-A circulated last night, opening a likely short-lived window where he will be cheap to roster. The 25-year-old is terrorizing Triple-A pitching this season, producing a .349/.431/.744 slash line and 10 home runs across only 21 games. Showcasing a 50-grade hit tool and prolific 55-grade power, Kjerstad is the No. 29 prospect in all of baseball. He posted a decent .748 OPS across a 13-game MLB stint in 2023 and will look to build off that first exposure.
Historically a solid MLB pitcher, Griffin Canning might migrate to Triple-A himself if he can’t turn things around. The 27-year-old is off to a horrible start this season, posting an 8.05 ERA through four starts. The advanced metrics, such as a 5.31 xERA, are a little more forgiving, but they are still not major league quality. Canning’s struggles include a .527 xSLG, 12.3% barrel rate and a .362 xwOBA.
As a note, Kjerstad is not presently available on the FanDuel slate. If he is not added, Trevor Larnach ($2,600 on FanDuel) is a worthwhile pivot.
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.
