NEW YORK — Aaron Judge is “still debating” whether or not he wants to venture to Seattle for the All-Star Game on Tuesday.
Judge, who is recovering from a torn ligament in his right big toe, would not make the journey to play in the exhibition. Rather, he’s thinking about whether or not he wants to participate in the festivities, such as being on the field for introductions.
Fans voted Judge into the game, and that means something to him.
“It is important to the fans,” Judge said. “Getting voted in and getting a chance to represent the Yankees, it’s a special honor. This is what the fans want to see. They want to see the guys they voted in go to the game and participate and be there, so we’re still debating.”
Gerrit Cole will also represent the Yankees at the game.
Judge, who has earned four other nods for the Midsummer Classic, said that he enjoys being around other All-Stars. He likes being there to pick the brains of fellow superstars and veterans who may be playing in their last All-Star Game.
He also makes it a point to get to know rookies and other first-time All-Stars.
“[There are] so many different facets of it that I enjoy,” Judge said, “but getting a chance to see those players and then getting a chance to put on a show for the fans is always the best part.”
Still, Judge’s recovery will take priority.
The reigning MVP said that he can get treatment and work done anywhere, but he admitted he can get more in New York with accessibility to Yankee Stadium.
There’s also something to the idea of not traveling and giving his toe more rest.
“That probably factors into it a little bit, especially being on the opposite coast,” Judge said. “So that’s part of it, but like I said, we got a lot of things to weigh, and then I’ll probably have an answer real soon.”
Judge expects to make a decision in “a couple days” — not that he has any more time than that to work with.
He said he’ll talk it over with his family, as well as players who have and have not attended previous All-Star games due to injuries.
“Still chit-chatting with a couple people,” Judge said.
