It is time to continue our MLB DFS Punt Plays series for the DraftKings and FanDuel main slate. Today’s top value plays feature Jordan Hicks, Mauricio Dubon and more.
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 6:40 PM ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
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MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – May 8
Jordan Hicks – SP, SF vs. COL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $8,300
Similar to Kyle Harrison yesterday, Jordan Hicks is too cheap for his talent level today. Through seven starts, the 27-year-old boasts a 1.89 era. There is some regression behind that mark, but his body of work still amounts to a strong 3.12 xERA. Hicks’ success includes a .284 xwOBA, 37.1% hard-hit rate, and an elite 58.1% groundball rate. Even in a hitter-friendly Coors Field, Hicks is well-positioned to succeed.
The Colorado Rockies remain one of baseball’s worst offenses. They scoring just 3.5 runs per game over the first 35 contests. Those struggles include a league-worst 71 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, alongside a gratuitous 28% strikeout rate.
Mauricio Dubon – 3B/OF, HOU vs. NYY
MLB DFS DraftKings: $3,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,300
Mauricio Dubon expects to slot into the Houston Astros’ starting lineup with a left-hander on the mound. The 29-year-old is slashing .274/.299/.397 overall this season. While his numbers aren’t incredibly impressive, Dubon is on another level against southpaws. For his career, Dubon is slashing .462 against lefties with a .171 ISO.
Carlos Rodon is having a decent bounce-back season, posting a 3.68 ERA through seven starts. However, the underlying metrics do suggest he’s due for regression. Those numbers include a 4.47 xERA and 4.59 xFIP. Rodon has surrendered a .430 xSLG, 43.8% hard-hit rate, 8.6% barrel rate, and a 90.2 MPH average exit velocity. Right-handed hitters are slugging .452 against him this season, down from a .510 mark in 2023. Rodon has been a lot more hittable than the surface stats tell us.
Jonny DeLuca – OF, TB vs. CWS
MLB DFS DraftKings: $3,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,600
Jonny DeLuca has only played five games this season and fewer than 30 games total in his MLB career, but he’s hot at the plate right now. The 25-year-old has posted multi-hit efforts in three consecutive contests entering today. DeLuca was a prolific minor-league hitter in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, generating a .956 OPS with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases across 73 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season before eventually being promoted and struggling to find consistent playing time. DeLuca is seeing regular action in a struggling Tampa Bay Rays lineup, and that should continue with his offensive ability.
Chris Flexen is a pitcher worth targeting against. Through seven outings, he sports a 5.34 xFIP, part of a weak 5.12 career xFIP. Notably, Flexen has routinely been a reverse-splits pitcher, surrendering a .509 slugging percentage to right-handed hitters over seven MLB seasons.
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. You can also look at our brand new MLB Weather Forecast page for daily weather reports on today’s games.
