A safe and balanced lineup does not bring the same energy as a gutsy, stars-and-scrubs-type build. This is why we are introducing our MLB DFS Punt Plays series to do just that. So, let’s get on with our DraftKings and FanDuel decisions.
However, some context first.
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 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 29
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Bailey Falter – SP, PIT vs. OAK
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,500
MLB DFS FanDuel: $8,800
Bailey Falter is my preferred pitcher to punt with today. The 27-year-old is enjoying an underrated campaign so far, posting a 3.97 xERA through five outings. Following a tough 2024 debut, Falter has really hit his stride, surrendering just four earned runs and 12 total hits over the subsequent 23 innings. His career 19.8% strikeout is less than ideal. However, Falter can induce weak contact at an impressive clip, generating a 34.2% hard-hit rate and 86.6 mph average exit velocity. He doesn’t need to do a lot to pay off his price tag, and Falter’s 15.6% top-2 value projection suggests he can get there.
A matchup with the Oakland Athletics is the primary reason Falter looks good today. They are scoring only 2.9 runs per game, the second-lowest mark in the league. That includes a weak 84 wRC+ alongside a generous 27.1% strikeout rate. Additionally, this game takes place in a very pitcher-friendly Oakland Coliseum.
Austin Shenton – 1B, TB vs. MIL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,500
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,100
Austin Shenton’s MLB career is only 11 games deep, but he has worthwhile upside. After recording extra-base hits in consecutive appearances, Shenton’s slugging percentage is up to .448 and he is starting to resemble the prolific producer he was in the minor leagues. Shenton mashed 29 home runs with a 1.006 OPS across 134 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Bryse Wilson’s 3.50 ERA looks strong on the surface, though there is regression behind those numbers. He has surrendered a .482 xSLG, 10% barrel rate and a .340 xwOBA. That amounts to a less inspiring 4.61 xERA. Further, left-handed hitters are slugging .773 against Wilson in 2024, up from a .525 career mark.
D.J. Stewart – OF, NYM vs. CHC
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,800
If you’re looking for a cheap home run to plug into an outfield slot, then look to D.J. Stewart. He sports a solid .813 OPS through 19 games this season. While he only has three home runs in 2024, the underlying metrics illustrate his power-hitting upside. Stewart has generated a 13.9% barrel rate, 44.4% hard-hit rate and a 90 mph average exit velocity.
After opening the season on the injured list, Jameson Taillon has been limited to just 10.2 innings. Still, there is enough historical data to understand what he has to offer. Taillon posted a middling 4.70 xERA across 30 appearances last season, including a .462 xSLG and a 10.7% barrel rate. Left-handed hitters slugged .514 against Taillon, part of a .436 career mark.
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.
