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 Ketel Marte 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 Monday’s seven-game MLB main slate, locking at 7:20 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
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MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – April 22
Albert Suarez – SP, BAL vs. LAA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $4,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $5,500
Albert Suarez presents a fantastic opportunity to punt at pitcher today. He’s coming off his first MLB outing since 2017, and the 34-year-old bypassed all expectations, tossing 5.2 shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins. There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding Suarez, but his salary hasn’t budged beyond the flat minimum on DraftKings, and he won’t need to do much to justify that price tag. Suarez is the top-graded value play by a longshot today.
The Los Angeles Angels are another advantageous matchup for Suarez. Despite strong starts from Mike Trout and Taylor Ward, the Angels do not have a deep lineup. Through 22 contests, they are plating less than 4.2 runs per game, including an underwhelming 92 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.
D.J. Stewart – OF, NYM vs. SF
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,900
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,900
D.J. Stewart offers very underrated pop. Through 14 games played, he has a .984 OPS with three home runs and a 174 wRC+. It’s a relatively small sample size still, but Stewart generated a 130 wRC+ across 58 games last season, demonstrating a level of sustained success. His batting average is unlikely to rebound significantly, but there are a lot of positive takeaways from Stewart’s batted-ball metrics. Those numbers include a 21.7% barrel rate, 92.1 mph average exit velocity and a 52.2% hard-hit rate.
Stewart will face off against Keaton Winn today. Through four starts this season, Winn has a mediocre 4.73 xERA, up from a 4.30 xERA in 2023. His impressive 56.7% ground ball rate limits damage somewhat, but Winn surrenders some ugly metrics, including a 48.4% hard-hit rate, 10% barrel rate, 92.6 mph average exit velocity and a .464 xSLG.
Trevor Larnach – OF, MIN vs. CWS
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,600
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,600
Although it’s only a five-game sample size, Trevor Larnach is hitting the ball well right now. The 27-year-old is slashing .286/.313/.500 with a 127 wRC+. That consists of a 54.5% hard-hit rate, 94.6 mph average exit velocity, .302 xBA and a .588 xSLG. Larnach has never been exceptional at the major league level, but his consistently proficient minor league production suggests he can maintain a hot bat. With a 2.3 value rating, Larnach is the top-graded value play among all position players today.
Jonathan Cannon’s MLB career is only one game deep, and it was a moderately successful debut, giving up only one run over five innings. Still, he is not a particularly impressive prospect. Cannon posted a 4.46 ERA across 121 innings between High-A and Double-A last season. I wouldn’t shy away from targeting the very-much-unproven pitcher in this spot.
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.
