Harper (back) hopes to return to action Friday in either a Grapefruit League game or minor-league game, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Phillies have held Harper out for a few days with soreness in his lower back, but he insists he's not worried about the injury and is just exercising caution. The 31-year-old is slated to be the Phillies' full-time first baseman this season after serving primarily as a designated hitter in 2023 following his return from his November 2022 Tommy John surgery.

Manager Rob Thomson said Sunday that Harper has been held out the past few days with back stiffness and won't play Monday, but the slugger is expected to rejoin the lineup later in the week, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, as Thomson said there is "zero" concern for Harper's Opening Day availability. Still, with less than two weeks before the March 28 opener, it's worth keeping an eye on the 31-year-old's status over the next few days.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Harper is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday versus Atlanta, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomson didn't specify whether Harper would be deployed at designated hitter Wednesday or if he would make his first start at first base, the position that he's slated to play on a full-time basis during the 2024 season. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in November 2022, Harper never made enough progress in his throwing program for the Phillies to feel comfortable returning him to his familiar spot in right field this past season, with the 31-year-old instead serving as a DH upon being cleared to debut in May before he got some exposure to first base following the All-Star break. Since he ultimately made 36 starts at first base, Harper should already carry eligibility at the position in most fantasy leagues in 2024, but he's no longer outfield-eligible and doesn't look poised to regain outfield eligibility even though his surgically repaired elbow is no longer a concern.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday that Harper will strictly play first base moving forward, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Harper is almost a full calendar year removed from his November 2023 Tommy John surgery and there has been some thought that he could return to the outfield in 2024, but the 31-year-old slugger apparently took a liking to first base this past season and will now make it his permanent position in Philadelphia. Dombrowski noted that he spoke to Harper at length behind the scenes before making this information public. Dombrowski also said he relayed the news to Rhys Hoskins, who now seems certain to depart in free agency this winter.

Harper is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran slugger didn't start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader and will sit again Sunday for the final game of the regular season with the Phillies looking toward the playoffs. Harper is likely to close the campaign with a .293/.401/.499 slash line, 21 homers, 11 steals, 72 RBI and 84 runs in 126 games.

Harper isn't in the Phillies' lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Harper turned in an 0-for-3 performance during Philadelphia's Game 1 loss, and he'll now get a breather for the nightcap. Weston Wilson will pick up a start at first base instead and bat sixth.

Harper was ejected from Thursday's game against the Pirates, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Harper appeared to check his swing on a full count in the third inning, but the third base umpire ruled that he went around. He voiced his displeasure with the decision and was ejected from the game as a result. Harper ended his day 0-for-1 with a walk.

Harper went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a solo home run and a stolen base in Wednesday's 7-6 win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

After logging a pair of doubles earlier in the game, Harper provided the eventual winning run with a 427-foot homer off Jose Hernandez in the seventh inning. The 30-year-old Harper has been on fire down the stretch, going 9-for-18 with a pair of homers in his last six games. He's boosted his slash line to .296/.402/.503 with 21 homers, 84 runs scored, 72 RBI and 11 steals across 540 plate appearances this season.

Harper went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

He got the Phillies on the board by leading off the second inning with a solo shot off Jose Quintana. Harper extended his run-scoring streak to seven games in the process, and over his last 13 contests he's slashing .279/.446/.651 with five of his 20 homers on the season along with one steal, 11 RBI and 13 runs.

Harper was ejected from Friday's game against the Cardinals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Harper was upset by a called second strike that looked to be high and out of the strike zone. He struck out swinging on the next pitch and voiced his displeasure to the home plate umpire prior to being tossed.