Judge thanks fans, decides not to attend All-Star Game

NEW YORK -- Aaron Judge has decided against attending Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, opting to continue receiving injury treatment at Yankee Stadium.

Judge, who has been on the injured list since early June with a sprained right big toe, was voted in as a starting American League outfielder. He was replaced on the AL’s roster by the Rangers’ Adolis García.

? MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard: Tuesday on FOX, 8 p.m. ET

“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 said on Twitter. “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.”

A five-time All-Star, Judge said earlier this week that he relishes all aspects of the All-Star experience, but especially being able to spend time with other players around the league.

“One of the things I always look forward to every year is getting a chance to pick the brain of some of the other superstars around the game and ask them questions,” Judge said. “If it's a young rookie that's coming up, ask him how his experience has been and what he's learned.

“If it's an older veteran, it might be their last All-Star Game, getting a chance just to get a little wisdom from him on their long career. There's so many different facets of it that I enjoy, but getting a chance to see those players and getting a chance to put on a show for the fans is always the best part.”

In recent days, Judge has ramped up his baseball activities, playing catch and hitting off a tee. He has also been running on an anti-gravity treadmill at Yankee Stadium; manager Aaron Boone said that Judge’s progress is “moving in the right direction.”

“It’s feeling good,” Judge said.