Justin Morneau among 3 players confirmed for MLB Japan tour

Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau is among three players confirmed by Major League Baseball today to participate in the 2014 Japan All-Star Series in November.

Morneau, the National League batting champion, joins Astros second baseman and AL batting champ Jose Altuve, as well as Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, in the recently announced group. Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano, Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and Orioles outfielder Adam Jones were previously named to the team that will play a five-game series against Samurai Japan between Nov. 12 and Nov. 18.

In his first season with the Rockies, Morneau hit .319/.364/.496 with 17 home runs, good for a 125 OPS+. It was his finest offensive performance since he posted a 187 OPS+ in an injury-shortened 2010 campaign. The 33-year-old lefty swinger hit .309/.364/.475 away from Coors Field but didn't start the Rockies' final two games of the season against the Dodgers in Los Angeles while nursing a slim lead over Pirates utility man Josh Harrison in the NL batting race.

The MLB All-Star squad will be managed by Red Sox skipper John Farrell and will play games in Osaka (Kyocera Dome), Tokyo (Tokyo Dome) and Sapporo (Sapporo Dome).