Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been a monster this year. He is probably in the middle of a no-hitter, even if you're reading this on Monday. But he is pitching on Sunday, and according to a new rule this year, that makes him ineligible for the All-Star Game. Replacing him will be early Rookie of the Year favorite, Michael Pineda of the Seattle Mariners.
2011 All-Star Game Rosters: Michael Pineda To Replace Justin Verlander
Pineda will be the third Mariner on the roster, joining Brandon League and Felix Hernandez, though King Felix is also pitching today, and will be replaced. It's as if AL managers conspired to make the new rule look as stupid as possible.
Pineda has been having a fantastic season, striking out 113 in 113 innings with a 3.03 ERA (good for a 124 ERA+). The 22-year-old mixes one of the fastest fastballs in the game with excellent command, a truly scary combination for a young pitcher to have.
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