Justin Verlander announces retirement at end of season

Driving the news: Verlander — on the injured list since April — cited the toll this season has taken, both physically and mentally.

• "It's fitting that I get to finish where it all started — with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity," reads his retirement letter.
• Verlander made the announcement about a half-hour after MLB commissioner Rob Manfred named him to the All-Star team as a "Legend Pick."

By the numbers: Verlander is among the franchise leaders in several categories:

• Seventh in wins (183).
• Second in strikeouts (2,374; behind Mickey Lolich's 2,679).
• Fifth in games started (381).

State of play: The Tigers picked him No. 2 overall in the 2004 MLB Draft. He debuted in 2005 and won Rookie of the Year in 2006.

• He's gone on to win three Cy Young Awards, the 2011 AL MVP award and two World Series rings.

• He returned to Detroit this season on a one-year deal after several years with the Houston Astros and other teams, but has started just one game.

What we're watching: Verlander remains on the injured list with hip and hamstring injuries. The timing of his return is unknown.

What's next: The Tigers plan to celebrate his legacy with fans in the coming months.