It is time to continue our MLB DFS Punt Plays series for the DraftKings and FanDuel main slate. Today’s top value plays feature Jose Soriano, Tyler Soderstrom 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 Monday’s 12-game MLB main slate, locking at 7:10 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
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MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – May 13
Jose Soriano – SP, LAA vs. STL
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,500
MLB DFS FanDuel: $7,400
Randy Vasquez is the chalk punt play at pitcher, and he’s not a bad option today. However, I’m pivoting to a much lower-owned Jose Soriano as my preferred punt. He brings a 15.4% top-2 value projection and offers a much higher ceiling than Vasquez, who appears to have some workload limitations.
Soriano has experienced ups and downs since entering the Los Angeles Angels starting rotation. Overall, he has a decent 4.32 ERA through eight total appearances, and the peripherals suggest a pitcher with better days ahead. Looking under the hood, Soriano sports a 4.00 xFIP. While his 11.6% walk rate has been a problem, he generates an outstanding 61.3% ground ball rate. Soriano also features above-average swing-and-miss stuff, producing a 26.1% whiff rate, suggesting that his 21.9% strikeout rate has room for growth.
Another reason we should like Soriano today is his matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are scoring just 3.4 runs per game on the season, the second-lowest mark in the majors. The struggles include an underwhelming 96 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, alongside a generous 24.1% strikeout rate.
Tyler Soderstrom – C/1B, OAK vs. HOU
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,100
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,300
Tyler Soderstrom was recalled from the minors last week, and we should be prepared for a breakout. Soderstrom lost his prospect eligibility following an underwhelming 45-game stint in the majors last season. However, we shouldn’t overlook the 22-year-old’s pedigree. In 2023, he was the top-rated prospect in the Oakland Athletics farm system and the No. 39 prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline. His profile features a 55-grade hit tool and 60-grade power. That translated into a .882 OPS across 27 games in Triple-A to begin this season, up from a .834 OPS over 77 appearances in Triple-A last year. Soderstrom has consistently been a 20-home run producer in the minors and offers a much higher upside than his current price tag suggests.
Soderstrom will square off against Spencer Arrighetti today. Arrighetti has struggled during his first exposure to the big leagues, posting an 8.44 ERA over five appearances. The advanced numbers are more forgiving, but they are still ugly. He brings a 5.67 xERA, consisting of a .370 xwOBA and a .476 xSLG. There are probably better days ahead for Arrighetti, though I’m looking to attack his inexperience with this play.
Edmundo Sosa – 3B/SS, PHI vs. NYM
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,700
Edmundo Sosa is becoming a regular on this list. With Trea Turner landing on the injured list, Sosa has stepped up as the Philadelphia Phillies starting shortstop, and despite strong performance, his price tag has barely budged. Sosa is having a strong campaign at the dish, slashing .286/.400/.500 with a 157 wRC+. In particular, we can feel confident about his ability to hit left-handed pitchers. Sosa is slugging .739 against southpaws in 2024, up from a .483 slugging percentage last season and a .456 career mark.
I wouldn’t recommend stacking aggressively against Sean Manaea, but he is more vulnerable than his 3.31 ERA tells us. Through seven starts, Manaea has a weak 4.96 xFIP. He has successfully limited power in 2024, though Manaea historically has a problem with right-handed hitters. Righties slugged .446 against him last season, part of a .433 career mark. It’s safe to assume Manaea is due for regression in that area.
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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.
