An ailing Aaron Judge shared an announcement on Sunday regarding his status for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle as the Yankees star continues to recover from a sprained right big toe.
Judge, who has not played since June 3, confirmed what many expected in a heartfelt message on Twitter. The five-time All-Star thanked his fans before confirming he will not participate in the star-studded Tuesday exhibition. He also acknowledged his ongoing rehab will be a priority over the All-Star break, though the latest reports on his health suggest the 31-year-old’s return timetable remains unknown.
“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. 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.”
Judge’s announcement comes amid his concerning update on his toe injury last week, where he told reporters there has been “talk of surgery.” He then noted the situation has not yet progressed to that point, but added any procedure would take place after the season.
While it remains to be seen when he will return, Judge has maintained a sense of optimism despite the glaring questions surrounding his condition. With his status for All-Star Weekend now official, only time will tell when the reigning AL MVP will re-join New York’s lineup.
Since Judge’s injury, the Yankees (49–42) have gone 14–17 and sit in fourth in the AL East.
“I’m feeling good, not great yet. We’re getting there,” Judge said on July 4. “I’ve got to be able to run. If I can run, then I can play. Me running at 10% [isn’t] going to help anybody out there.”
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. 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..
— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) July 9, 2023
..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. pic.twitter.com/VXbUdR2v0H
— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) July 9, 2023
