Justin Verlander trolls media, says he's still with Detroit Tigers

July 31 (UPI) -- He has an MVP, Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year and more. But Justin Verlander recently became a reporter, stating that he's still with the Detroit Tigers.

Verlander, 34, has been rumored in trade talks for months, but remains with the franchise. He has been a member of the Tigers since being drafted No. 2 overall in the 2004 MLB June Amateur Draft. The six-time All-Star has a 4.29 ERA and a 6-7 record this season. He led the American League with 254 strikeouts last season, finishing second in Cy Young Award voting.

On Monday, the pitcher took to social media to poke fun at the reports.

"Breaking," Verlander wrote. "Source: I'm still in the Tigers locker room."

Verlander posted the photo from Yankee Stadium. The Tigers (47-56) beat the Houston Astros 13-1 Sunday at Comerica Park. They began a three game series Monday against the New York Yankees.

MLB Network reported that Verlander's contract could clear trade waivers in August. Monday was the Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Michael Fulmer, who was also involved in trade rumors, started Monday's contest. Verlander earned the win on the hill Sunday, throwing six shutout innings while allowing five hits and striking out six. Before Sunday's win, the Tigers had not posted a victory with Verlander on the mound since June 27.

"There was plenty of talk," Tigers general manager Al Avila told MLB.com. "But nothing moving forward that we felt would take root and would be a benefit to our organization."

Verlander is due $28 million annually through 2019. He has a $22 million vesting option in 2020.