Justin Verlander Eats Taco Bell before Every Start

(WJBK) - Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander admits he performs one ritual before every game. He loads up on Taco Bell.

The American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner told Conan O'Brien Wednesday night that he orders the same meal the night before each of his starts. On the menu: three Crunchy Tacos, a Cheesy Gordita Crunch and a Mexican Pizza. All ordered without tomatoes, by the way.

In case you're wondering, that's 1,540 calories of Mexican goodness, according to Taco Bell's website. "It also results in your gameday diarrhea tradition," joked O'Brien.

The two also joked about the 'Flame Foot' prank Verlander pulled on teammate Don Kelly over the summer.

Verlander became became the first pitcher to win an MVP Award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first starting pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1986. He went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA in 34 starts, leading the Tigers to the AL Central crown with 250 strikeouts in 251 innings.