Bryce Harper checked another box Tuesday in his progression to play on Opening Day.

Harper played right field for the first time this spring in a 14-5 loss to the Blue Jays at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla. Harper has been ramping up for the April 1 opener against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park, after battling lower back issues late last season. The Phillies scheduled Harper to play his first game in the field on Friday, but he told them he was ready, so he played earlier.

“It felt good to get back out there and get back into game mode, playing right field and hitting at the same time,” Harper said. “I felt good throwing the ball in. I got a little action with a ball to the wall down the line. Everything felt good today.”

Harper has made an adjustment with the way he throws to avoid stress on his shoulder, elbow, lower back and legs. Essentially, he is not throwing across his body as much.

“I caught it myself,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for probably 18, 19 years now. Nobody really caught it. I was going over some techniques. I was going over some things on video when I would throw. Things from when I caught [as a catcher] kind of transferred into the outfield. The first time I played the outfield was when I got drafted.

“I like the way it’s going right now. I feel strong. I feel good. I just need to watch myself on certain things when I am out there, so I don’t put stress into that area.”

It’s not official, but Nola is moving toward Opening Day
Right-hander Aaron Nola remains on schedule to start on Opening Day, although Phillies manager Joe Girardi has not formally told him.

“I have not, but there’s a saying about tea leaves,” Girardi said.

Nola allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings on Tuesday. He threw a handful of cutters, which is something he had not thrown in the past.

“I’ve played around with it for a little while, but I never really threw it,” Nola said. “I think it adds another pitch to my repertoire. I don’t know where it’s going to end up, but I’m going to keep working on it and see where I can get with it. It’s OK. I made some good pitches with it. I haven’t gotten too many swings on it. I’ve gotten a couple outs on it.”

Didi hit by pitch, leaves game
Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius got hit in the back of the helmet with an 89.9 mph sinker in the second inning. He remained in the game, but he left the dugout a couple innings later with head athletic trainer Paul Buchheit.

Gregorius complained of a “minor” headache and likely underwent concussion protocols. There was no immediate update.

Roster battles
• Mickey Moniak started for the first time this spring. He went 0-for-3 with one walk and two strikeouts. He is competing for a job in center field.

• Right-hander Brandon Kintzler allowed four hits and three unearned runs in one inning. Left-hander Tony Watson allowed five hits and four runs in one-third of an inning. Kintzler had not allowed a run in his first five appearances this spring. Watson had not allowed a run in his first three. Kintzler and Watson are non-roster invitees in camp and both are competing for bullpen jobs.

“Their fastballs got hit today and that really comes down to location for those two guys,” Girardi said.

Extra bases
• J.T. Realmuto is taking batting practice on the field and throwing 120 feet, but it is unclear when he will play in his first Grapefruit League game. Realmuto is recovering from a fractured right thumb. X-rays are scheduled Thursday.

“That will determine the next progression,” Girardi said. “But right now, his progression has been really good.”

• Right-hander Spencer Howard could not pitch as scheduled Monday because of back spasms. Girardi said Howard felt better Tuesday. The Phillies hope Howard can pitch again in the next few days.

• The Phillies optioned infielders Nick Maton and C.J. Chatham and left-hander Cristopher Sánchez to Minor League camp.