Skip to main content

Report: Justin Verlander to sit out World Baseball Classic

Justin Verlander will not pitch in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Justin Verlander

Pitcher Justin Verlander will not join the United States team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, according to a report from Danny Knobler at CBSsports.com.

Verlander was not on the roster originally named by Team USA officials, but a spot in the rotation was left open for the Detroit Tiger should he change his mind. Now, after a few throwing sessions and a conversation with manager Joe Torre, Verlander has decided he'll sit out for this tournament.

Verlander mentioned the length of his 2012 season and the number of pitches he threw as a primary reason for his withdrawal. Verlander's last start was in Game 1 of the World Series.

The absence of Verlander means the 2013 WBC will be missing yet another big star - American pitchers David Price and Clayton Kershaw have already withdrawn from the American team, while Japan will be missing Yu Darvish and Venezuela will be without Felix Hernandez.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.