Even though he hasn’t played in a game since injuring his big toe on June 3, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was still voted as a starter for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game that’s set to take place in Seattle on Tuesday.
However, Judge announced Sunday night that he won’t be traveling to the festivities at T-Mobile Park, and will continue to work his way back to full health.
“I wanted to take the time to say thank you to all the fans who voted me in as a starter for the 2023 All-Star game in Seattle,” Judge tweeted. “I feel truly blessed to be included in this group of outstanding players – it is an honor to be among those names. Unfortunately, I will not be making the trip to Seattle.
“I plan to take this time to heal and rehab so I can get back on the field for my team and all of you. Again, I can’t thank the fans of MLB enough – you are all a huge part of what makes this game so great, and I cannot wait to get back out there.”
It would have been Judge’s fifth All-Star appearance, after having played in the event in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. He earned 19 percent of the fan vote to become a starting outfielder for the American League, joining the Los Angeles Angels ‘ Mike Trout and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Randy Arozarena.
The accolade will still count for Judge even though he won’t be playing, as he now trails only Derek Jeter (9), Dave Winfield (7) and Alex Rodriguez (8) for most selections as a Yankee.
Judge has been doing all he can to get back on the field, and has already shot down any in-season surgery on his big toe. Manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that Judge is “obviously doing more baseball stuff now” and will continue to “get treatment” during the All-Star break.