Matt Cain to Start Over R.A. Dickey in All-Star Game While Justin Verlander Gets American League Nod

The knuckleball will have to come on in relief.

Matt Cain has been picked by Tony La Russa to start the All-Star Game for the National League, John Harper of the New York Daily News reports.

That means knuckleball sensation R.A. Dickey won't be leading the team despite going 12-1 with a 2.40 ERA and 123 strikeouts over the first half of the season for the Mets.

Cain hasn't had a bad year himself, going 9-3 with a 2.62 ERA and 118 strikeouts for the San Francisco Giants. He also pitched a perfect game — one of five no-hitters in Major League Baseball this season.

For the American League, defending MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander will take the mound first. While not as dominant as last season, Verlander has gone 9-5 with a 2.58 ERA and 128 strikeouts for the Tigers this year.