Injured Yankees slugger Aaron Judge explains what he'll miss about All-Star Game

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge stubbed his big right toe in early June and has been on the shelf since. While Judge is progressing in rehab, he won't be able to participate in All-Star Game festivities despite being voted in as an American League outfielder starter. 

“Unfortunately, I will not be making the trip to Seattle," Judge said in a statement to fans. "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."

What Judge will miss the most about the All-Star Game isn't just the game itself — it's the camaraderie between up-and-coming players, current MLB greats and legends of old in attendance. Judge loves to talk to veterans as well as rookies and enjoys learning from both.

“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 explained. “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."

Judge is one of the biggest names in baseball, and he's become one of the greats with steady doses of humility, which is on display in these comments. While Judge would have loved to play in the All-Star Game, he still hasn't been able to run at full speed and said on Tuesday that his toe "doesn't feel great." 

Although Judge says he can "move around pretty well," he also noted he doesn't think "it will ever feel normal." In short, when Judge comes back from the IL there will be an element of pain tolerance and toughing it out. 

The All-Star Game would have been all the more entertaining if Judge was able to participate, but taking more time to heal is a wise strategy for a player who smashed an AL-record 62 home runs and took home MVP last season. Judge was stellar this season before his injury as well, batting .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBI in just 49 games of action. Even with a banged-up toe, it's safe to assume Judge will still hit plenty of long balls when he returns to the lineup.