"Derek Jeter swatted back the criticism he received from missing Tuesday's All-Star Game, saying he was surprised by reaction to his absence in Phoenix.

Having announced last Friday that he'd skip the All-Star Game to rest his right calf, the Yankees captain wondered why he subsequently became the subject of questionable judgment.

"It seemed to be a non-issue at the time. I hadn't heard a word about it until somebody told me it was all over the TV," Jeter said Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre. "So, I guess I was surprised.

"Surprised is the best way to put it, of the coverage."

Jeter also batted down a report that emotional and physical exhaustion were reasons he needed the time off.

"That sounds like a good quote, but I didn't say it," Jeter said with obvious disdain. "It was strictly based on my injury."

Voted by the fans as the AL's starting shortstop, Jeter resumed batting leadoff against the Blue Jays as the Yankees opened the second half of their season. Until his activation July 4, Jeter spent three weeks on the disabled list due to the calf strain.

Jeter started in each of the Yankees' six games from that point until the All-Star break, getting his milestone 3,000th hit Saturday in a remarkable 5-for-5 afternoon at the Stadium.

But the All-Star Game decision wasn't made alone by Jeter, who canvassed other opinions before making a final call.

"I understand the disappointment. I get that," Jeter said. "I understand the fans are disappointed. Like I told you guys, I was disappointed I didn't get a chance to go play.

"But this was a decision I thought was best for our team for the second half of the year."

Manager Joe Girardi felt it was "unfair" to criticize Jeter for missing the All-Star Game based on his reasoning, and that "sometimes people are quick to judge" a player's motive."