Fast fact
Before Tuesday, the Yankees were the spring's worst-hitting team of all 30 in the majors. A place ahead of them were the Red Sox. But it's only spring training.
There's gold in them thar seats
Forbes' annual report finds the average value of Major League Baseball teams has increased 7 percent from last year to an all-time high of $523 million.
The New York Yankees, worth $1.7 billion, lead the way for the 14th straight year since Forbes began valuing franchises in 1998.
The Boston Red Sox were second at $912 million in the report released Wednesday. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Mets round out the top five. The Phillies' value rose 13 percent to $609 million, making them the sixth most valuable team.
Only three teams' values didn't increase: the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland Indians. The Mets lost 13 percent of their value amid debt problems.
Around the majors
Atlanta Braves minor-league manager Luis Salazar returned to camp Wednesday, two weeks after being struck in the face by a foul ball and losing his left eye.
"I'm very fortunate to be alive," Salazar said. "God gave me a second chance in this life, and I'm going to take advantage of it."
Elsewhere: Washington put pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from elbow surgery. . . . Brad Emaus appears to be the front-runner at second base for the Mets after they optioned Justin Turner to triple-A Buffalo five days are releasing Luis Castillo. . . . Atlanta will attempt to replace closer Billy Wagner - and his 422 career saves - with a team of Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel. . . . Twins bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek, who is in his 30th season with the club, has missed all of spring training from surgery to repair a detached retina, but he hopes to rejoin the team in about two weeks.
Contact staff writer Don McKee at dmckee@phillynews.com.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
