Aaron Judge has taken the first step back toward a possible return by next week. The Yankees slugger, who is dealing with a right elbow flexor strain, began his hitting progression on Tuesday afternoon, hitting off a tee and tosses in the indoor cage.

NEW YORK — Yankees captain Aaron Judge already is progressing toward returning from the 10-day injured list when he’s first eligible after losing his campaign to keep playing with a right flexor strain. Two days after Judge went on the IL, he resumed light hitting in a batting cage before Tuesday night’s Yankees-Rays’ game.