Tigers' Justin Verlander announces he will retire after this season

Detroit — Justin Verlander announced Wednesday that this will be his final season.

The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion made the announcement in a letter after he was selected to the All-Star game as a Legend Pick by commissioner Rob Manfred.

“This season has challenged me in ways I haven’t experienced before, both physically and mentally,” he wrote. “I’ve always believed that as long as I could compete at the level I expect of myself, I’d keep playing. I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number or a date on the calendar. I wanted the game to tell me it was time.

“Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”

Verlander, 43, who is on the injured list with a hamstring strain, said he was still committed to working his way back this season.

“It’s fitting that I get to finish where it all started — with the Detroit Tigers,” he wrote.

Verlander, a former MVP and rookie of the year, is the active leader in wins (266) and strikeouts (3,554). He most certainly will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer five years from now.

“Baseball has given me more than I could have imagined,” he wrote. “It taught me discipline, resilience and the value of continuing to adapt and evolve. I’ve been fortunate to play with and against incredible players, for outstanding organizations and compete in front of fans who deeply appreciate the game.”

Verlander won’t be able to play in the All-Star game, which will be his 10th, but he will be honored during the festivities in Philadelphia.

“To every teammate, coach, player, clubhouse attendant and fan who has been part of this journey – thank you,” Verlander wrote. “It’s been a privilege to share the field with you. To my family, especially my wife Kate, thank you for standing beside me through every season, every rehab and every high and low. I couldn’t have done it without you.

“It’s time for the next chapter. But first, I’m excited to finish the season the only way I know how, with everything I’ve got.”

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers' Justin Verlander announces he will retire after this season