Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez bounced back nicely during his second spring outing on Monday. Valdez threw four innings, allowing one run in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers. The southpaw struck out four batters while walking one during this outing. It appears Valdez is back on track after a rough spring debut. Fantasy managers should once again expect big things from Valdez in 2024.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks made his spring debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The right-hander threw a perfect ninth inning while striking out two batters. Fairbanks isn't coming off an injury, but the team is taking things slowly with him given his injury history. He was a viable ninth inning option for the Rays last season. He posted a 2.58 ERA, with a 68/22 K/BB ratio and 25 saves last season.

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero has been optioned to minor league camp on Monday. This isn't shocking considering it was reported weeks ago that Caminero was unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. The 20-year-old is expected to start his 2024 campaign in Triple-A. There is a chance that Caminero joins the big league club at some point during the season. In nine spring games, Caminero went 7-for-26 (.269) with a HR and four RBI during camp. It shouldn't be long before the top prospect is ready for the big league level.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (elbow) will have surgery on his right elbow Tuesday afternoon. The extent of the ligament damage isn't known. It's possible Giolito needs Tommy John surgery but he could also require just a brace procedure. Either way, he is most assuredly out for 2024. If he requires Tommy John, it could push his start to the 2025 season back, but if it's the brace procedure, he could be ready by the time the offseason comes around. Last week it was reported the 29-year-old had a partial tear in his UCL and a flexor strain, so the news has been bleak recently. He should now be avoided by all redraft leagues. Even in dynasty leagues, it could be time to move on, as Giolito hasn't posted a respectable ERA, FIP or WHIP since 2021. His strikeout potential is what he has to hang his hat on.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray (hamstring) was able to throw a 20-pitch, light bullpen Monday. He is expected to throw a longer session on Wednesday or Thursday. After topping out at 92 mph on Monday, it sounds like Gray is trending in the right direction. The 34-year-old shouldn't have to build his arm back up, as he only went two days without throwing. There's still the probability that Gray starts the season on the IL, but it should be a brief stint if he continues to show he's healthy after mildly straining his right hamstring on March 4. If Gray starts to fall from his 118.4 ADP because of his availability to start the season healthy, he will return good value. Gray is a steady presence in a fantasy rotation and was able to start 32 games last season. If he's able to duplicate that number in 2024, he will again be a solid option for fantasy managers.