Justin Verlander has been in regular contact with Team USA manager Joe Torre about the possibility of joining the team, according to sources.

The Tigers won't keep Verlander from the event.

"We let our players make their own decisions unless they're injured," Dave Dombrowski said. "It will be his decision if he chooses to pitch or not to pitch. Justin Verlander, in particular, is very wise as far as his preparation is concerned. He's a veteran guy.

"He wants to make sure he's in the routine of getting ready. And if he feels he's ready, I don't have a problem at that point. The reality is that he will pitch on March 12 or 15 for Team USA or for Detroit.

"He's got Joe Torre and (pitching coach) Marcel Lachemann handling him. They'll be careful with him. They know what needs to be done. And there are pitch limits involved."