Aaron Judge nears Yankees return as team franchise valuation increases

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge participated in batting practice Friday at Petco Park in San Diego, marking a progression in his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge will not face live pitching through the weekend, making a return to the lineup early next week unlikely. The team hopes to have him back during the upcoming homestand, where he is expected to return to his position in right field. Meanwhile, the Yankees lead Major League Baseball in franchise valuation at $12 billion, according to CNBC estimates. In other roster news, the team is managing the absence of outfielder Trent Grisham due to injury, with Spencer Jones expected to see increased playing time in center field. Grisham remains sidelined with a status still to be determined as the regular season reaches its final three weeks.

• 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Yankees news: Aaron Judge continues to get closer to return