Justin Verlander Reportedly Selected to Start All-Star Game for American League

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has been selected to start for the American League in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, according to FOX Sports.

Texas Rangers and AL manager Ron Washington made the decision, and his choice should come as no surprise. The 29-year-old Verlander has consistently been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball since his first full season in 2006.

The five-time All-Star is 9-5 this season with a 2.58 ERA. He leads the majors with five complete games, and he's on pace to finish first in the MLB in strikeouts and innings pitched. It would be the second straight season he accomplished the feat, in spite of the fact he does not have the luxury of facing pitchers in the batters' box, like his NL counterparts do.

This is Verlander's first All-Star start, adding another line to his already impressive resume. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006, the AL Cy Young and MVP winner in 2011, and he has thrown two career no-hitters.

Verlander is one of three Detroit Tigers in the 2012 Midsummer Classic, with first baseman Prince Fielder and third baseman Miguel Cabrera joining him on the AL squad.

There are 15 pitchers on the team, and Verlander was selected to start over fellow superstars CC Sabathia, Felix Hernandez, David Price, Jered Weaver and Joe Nathan, among others.

The 2012 MLB All-Star Game will be held Tuesday, July 10, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. FOX will televise the game live, with coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.