Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (back) was hitting and fielding again on Thursday. While Harper has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 because of soreness in his lower back, Thursday represented his third consecutive day of baseball activities. The 31-year-old slugger is scheduled to get at-bats at Carpenter Complex on Friday and Saturday, so he appears to be on track for Philly's Opening Day matchup versus the Atlanta Braves on March 28. There's been concern about Harper because he's had back issues in the past, although he's never been placed on the injured list because of them. This situation remains worth monitoring, but fantasy managers don't need to adjust Harper's 17 NFBC ADP at this juncture. Through 26 plate appearances this spring, the two-time National League MVP is slashing only .227/.346/.273 with one double and three runs scored but has stolen two bases in just nine games.

The New York Mets and free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract on Thursday. After a long stay in free agency, Martinez lands in Queens one week before Opening Day to offer the Mets a formidable protection bat in their lineup behind slugging superstar Pete Alonso. The 36-year-old Martinez is a six-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger and slashed a robust .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs, 27 doubles, and 103 RBI over 432 at-bats (113 games) for the Los Angeles Dodgers a year ago. He figures to immediately slot into the heart of New York's order as their everyday DH, likely taking some shine away from the fantasy appeal and RBI upside of former top prospect Francisco Alvarez in the process. Martinez's 221 NFBC ADP will rise with the move, and managers who have already drafted should make sure the veteran slugger isn't floating around waiver wires in shallow mixed leagues.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Oliver Ortega (elbow) underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow on Thursday and is expected to be shut down for three to four months, according to the team. Ortega will miss most of the 2024 campaign now. The 27-year-old Dominican hurler made 10 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins in 2023, allowing seven earned runs on 11 hits (two homers) while walking seven and striking out 14 in 14 2/3 innings. In his first two major-league seasons with the Los Angeles Angeles, Ortega had a 3.95 ERA (4.74 FIP), a 1.48 WHIP, one save, 20 walks and 37 strikeouts in 35 relief outings over 43 1/3 frames. He will open the 2024 season with Houston on the 60-day injured list.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Friday. Manoah's live BP session on Friday will be the first time facing hitters since he came down with right-shoulder soreness at the beginning of March. The 26-year-old doesn't have any structural damage in his arm, which is good news, but he's going to start the 2024 regular season on the injured list. Given his disastrous 2023 campaign in which he was sent to the minors two different times, Manoah's fantasy stock is way down after he was third in the American League Cy Young voting in 2022. He could still bounce back from his disastrous 2023 season once he's able to return from his shoulder injury, but fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues can avoid him for now.

While Toronto Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson (forearm) played catch in camp on Thursday and felt good, closer Jordan Romano (elbow) is still a day or two away from throwing. The Blue Jays are expected to make decisions on their availability for the beginning of the 2024 regular season by Monday. Opening Day is next Thursday, March 28. If neither Romano nor Swanson are ready to go by the end of next week, Yimi Garcia figures to be first in line to pick up save chances at the back end of Toronto's bullpen to begin the year. Romano, 30, is RotoBaller's No. 15 fantasy closer, but he was recently shut down after being diagnosed with right-elbow inflammation. The good news is that Romano doesn't have structural damage in his arm, but there's added risk in taking him in fantasy drafts this weekend.