Report: Justin Verlander to sit out World Baseball Classic

Justin Verlander will not pitch in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images) Pitcher Justin Verlander will not join the United States team

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

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the 2013 WBC will be missing yet another big star - American pitchers David Price and Clayton Kershaw have already withdrawn from the American team, while Japan will be missing Yu Darvish and Venezuela will be without Felix Hernandez.