Fowler joins MLB team for All-Star Series in Japan
Astros outfielder joins teammate Altuve for five-game set, two exhibitions
HOUSTON -- Astros outfielder Dexter Fowler said Saturday he had accepted an invitation to play for the MLB team during the 2014 "All-Star Series," which is a five-game set against Japan's national team next month in Japan.
Fowler was invited by the Major League Baseball Players Association to join the tour, which includes Astros teammate Jose Altuve. Fowler hit .276 with a .375 on-base percentage, eight homers and 35 RBIs in his first season with the Astros.
"It's an honor to be accepted to represent MLB in Japan for the Japanese tour," Fowler said. "I'm very excited and humbled at the opportunity."
The team, which will be managed by John Farrell, includes MLB All-Stars Robinson Cano of the Mariners, Adam Jones of the Orioles, Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers and Albert Pujols of the Angels.
The first game will be held on Nov. 12 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, with games two through four at the Tokyo Dome Nov. 14-16. The fifth and final game will be No. 18 at the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo. Two exhibition games will complement the five-game series, with one in Hanshin (Koshien Stadium) and the other in Okinawa (Okinawa Cellular Stadium).