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 Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryan Reynolds, 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 Thursday’s MLB main slate, locking at 4:05 PM ET on both DraftKings (four games) and FanDuel (three games).
MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – April 4
Trey Lipscomb – 3B, WSH vs. PIT
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,700
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,000
With only four games on the slate, today’s value options are irregularly slim. Among the low-end players, Trey Lipscomb stands out as the fifth-highest-graded overall value play. The 23-year-old’s MLB career is only three games deep, but the early returns have been encouraging as he has recorded five hits and a home run through his first 12 plate appearances. While Lipscomb’s power potential is nothing special, he did post a respectable .284/.310/.438 slash line in Triple-A last season. He is not the most exciting play, though Lipscomb is a worthwhile punt if you need to fill out third base for cheap.
Lipscomb’s appeal is largely based on the matchup today. Martin Perez is coming off a rocky 2023 season. Across 35 appearances, the lefty posted a mediocre 4.90 xERA and 4.96 xFIP. That includes surrendering a .447 xSLG and .338 xwOBA to opposing hitters. Right-handed hitters were particularly difficult for Perez, slugging .460 against him, part of a .446 career mark.
Jesus Sanchez – OF, MIA vs. STL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $3,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,800
Jesus Sanchez is a sneakier piece of value. On a small main slate like this, coming in at only 7.5% projected ownership makes him a considerable leverage play. Last season, Sanchez produced a .253/.327/.450 slash line with a 109 wRC+. It was solid performance at the plate, albeit somewhat underwhelming considering his prospect pedigree. Still, the underlying metrics were more impressive and suggest a very much unrealized ceiling. Those numbers include a .353 xwOBA, .478 xSLG, 90.4 MPH average exit velocity, 12.2% barrel rate, and a 46.3% hard-hit rate.
Lance Lynn is more than likely cooked at this stage. He’s nearly 37 years old and coming off the worst season of his MLB career, surrendering a 4.86 xERA alongside a league-leading 44 home runs. That includes some horrible batted-ball metrics, like a .461 xSLG and a 10.4% barrel rate. Left-handed hitters were particularly brutal for Lynn, slugging .549 against him, part of a .425 career mark.
Dominic Fletcher – OF, CWS vs. KC
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,300
MLB DFS FanDuel: N/A
Dominic Fletcher is excluded from the FanDuel main slate, so skip over this if you’re playing over there. Fletcher is the top-graded overall value play on DraftKings today, and he is generating only 6% projected ownership right now. He slashed a respectable .301/.350/.441 with a 113 wRC+ across 28 games in the majors last season. Fletcher doesn’t have the same top-prospect shine as some other rookies, but he has been an above-average hitter at every level he’s played at.
Seth Lugo isn’t the most vulnerable pitcher to target on this slate. That said, his nearly 45% projected ownership makes rostering Fletcher a worthwhile leverage move. Further, Lugo wasn’t as good as his surface numbers suggested in 2023. He posted a strong 3.57 ERA, though a 4.42 xERA paints a different picture. Lugo was below average in many batted-ball metrics, including a .444 xSLG, 9.6% barrel rate, and a 44.2% hard-hit rate.
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.
