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 Wednesday’s seven-game MLB main slate, locking at 6:35 PM ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
For a limited time only, you can use promo code MLBSIMSWEEK to get access to one week of our industry-leading MLB Sims Max, Sims Data or Data packages for 40% off by clicking here!
MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – May 1
Andrew Heaney – SP, TEX vs. WSH
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $7,200
While Andrew Heaney’s ceiling certainly can’t compete with the top-end arms on this slate, he can absolutely pay off his cheap price tag. Through five starts this season, Heaney sports an ugly 6.26 ERA, though the advanced numbers are more forgiving. The 32-year-old carries a more palatable 4.67 xERA, which is not far off from his career 4.52 ERA. Heaney’s strikeouts are somewhat down this season, but he struck out seven over six innings pitched in his most recent appearance, and he appears to be positively regressing toward his 25.3% career strikeout rate.
Baked into Heaney’s appeal today, he draws a favorable matchup with the Washington Nationals. The Nationals have been among baseball’s weakest offenses over the season’s first month, scoring fewer than 4.1 runs per game. That includes an 87 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. CJ Abrams has established himself as a force atop the Washington batting order, but the absence of Lane Thomas from the lineup leaves the Nationals otherwise light on impact bats.
Joey Loperfido – OF, HOU vs. CLE
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,200
Joey Loperfido is the latest shiny new toy to be promoted to the majors this week. The 24-year-old is off to a red-hot start in Triple-A this season, posting a 1.106 OPS with 13 home runs over just 25 games played. That builds off a strong 2023 minor-league campaign, where Loperfido slashed .278/.370/.510 with 25 long balls. It remains to be seen how consistent his playing time will be, but considering his real-life positional flexibility between 1B and OF, and with the recent demotion of Jose Abreu, Loperfido expects to see plenty of action.
Loperfido will face Triston McKenzie today. While the pedigree still has many enthusiastic about McKenzie’s upside, he just has not looked like the same pitcher since returning from elbow and shoulder injuries over the past two seasons. The 26-year-old sports a horrendous 6.08 xFIP through five outings so far. The struggles include a career-worst 17.6% strikeout rate and a 16.7% walk rate. Left-handed hitters are slugging .451 against McKenzie, opening the door for a Loperfido bomb.
Jordan Beck – OF, COL vs. MIA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,700
MLB DFS FanDuel: N/A
Speaking of exciting call-ups, it’s time to put Jordan Beck on your radar. The 23-year-old is the fourth-ranked prospect in the Colorado Rockies farm system and the No. 73 prospect in all of baseball, per MLB Pipeline. With 55-grade power and 55-grade speed, Beck has a demonstrated ability to fill up a box score. Through 25 games in Triple-A this season, he is slashing .307/.405/.594 with five home runs and three stolen bases, building off a 25-home run, 20-stolen base campaign in 2023. Beck generated two hits during his MLB debut yesterday and will look to keep the good times rolling today.
While predicting prospect success in the majors is always a looming unknown, Beck will effectively face off against a minor league pitcher today. Roddery Munoz made his MLB debut last week, and although he survived the outing, nothing suggests he will be a long-term piece of the Miami Marlins rotation. Through four appearances in Triple-A this season, Munoz owns a horrible 8.62 ERA, up from a 5.42 ERA across 34 minor-league outings in 2023.
Unfortunately, Beck is not currently available on the FanDuel slate.
For a limited time only, you can use promo code MLBSIMSWEEK to get access to one week of our industry-leading MLB Sims Max, Sims Data or Data packages for 40% off by clicking here!
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.
