Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer (back), who had surgery on Dec. 15 on his back for a herniated disc that shut him down late last season, has been cleared for baseball activities around the 13-week mark since surgery. June remains the target date for the Rangers, although Scherzer doesn't fully see it that way. In eight starts for Texas in 2023 after being traded from the Mets, he went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA, but he missed the final six weeks of the regular season due to a muscle strain in his right shoulder. The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer isn't targeting any specific date to make his 2024 debut, and the reality is he could miss all of the first half of the season. Scherzer can still contribute in fantasy when he's healthy, but the fact that he could miss the first half drastically reduces his fantasy value in upcoming drafts.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers hit his third home run of the spring in an 8-5 Grapefruit League win over the Twins on Friday. The majestic blast left JetBlue Park, traveling over the stands in right field. The lefty was 2-for-4 on the day with two RBI and a run scored. That brings his spring line to 9-for-28 (.321) with two doubles, three home runs, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a 4:9 BB:K. Right now the 2x All-Star is going off draft boards around pick 24 overall, slightly behind his RotoBaller rank of 20.

Oakland Athletics infielder Abraham Toro continued his strong spring on Thursday in a 3-1 Cactus League loss to the Cubs. The switch hitter went 1-for-2 in the game and is now 11-for-30 (.367) in the spring with a home run, seven RBI, four runs scored, and a 4:5 BB:K. Right now he's projected to make the roster, however, with the A's signing veteran third baseman J.D. Davis, Toro's playing time could be impacted. What Toro has going for him though is his positional flexibility, as he can play first base and second base as well. The 27-year-old isn't on the radar for standard roto or points leagues, but makes for an intriguing option in AL-only leagues.

Washington Nationals reliever Hunter Harvey pitched one inning of relief on Friday in a 7-3 Grapefruit League win over the Mets. Harvey has had a nice spring, allowing six hits and two earned runs with a 10:1 K:BB over six and one-third innings pitched (2.84 ERA). The 29-year-old is coming off the best season of his career and looks primed to have a repeat performance in 2024. Staying healthy has always been an issue for him, but even missing time last season he was still able to collect 10 saves and 19 holds. If the Nats' primary closer Kyle Finnegan falters, Harvey would be in a prime spot to take over the duties full-time.

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abdomen, oblique) is scheduled to resume taking on-field batting practice on Saturday. Even though the veteran didn't hit with the team on Friday, he was still taking swings in the cage. It sounds like Judge is progressing well and should be ready for Opening Day. The team won't rush to get him back into Grapefruit League action and caution is probably warranted given Judge's injury history. Still, the former MVP will need to be ready to go when the season begins in order to make good on his top-10 fantasy pick status.