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

July 10th, 2023

NEW YORK --  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.

“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.