The two leading contenders for 2018 National League Rookie of the Year will patrol the outfield, starting Thursday, for Major League Baseball’s squad in the 2018 Japan All-Star Series with Japan’s national team.
The Braves' Ronald Acuna and Juan Soto of the Nationals will take part in the seven games (including one exhibition) across Japan from Nov. 8-15. The games will be broadcast on MLB Network, starting at 4 a.m. Thursday.
The roster, which includes four All-Stars, will be coached by Marlins manager Don Mattingly. On Mattingly’s staff are Edgar Martinez; Hideki Matsui; former Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez - serving as third-base coach; bench coach Hensley Meulens; pitching coach Brent Strom; and bullpen coach Henry Blanco.
This is the 37th time since 1908 that major leaguers will tour Japan for exhibition games.
Players on the tour
PITCHERS
• Matt Andriese, D-backs
• Scott Barlow, Royals
• John Brebbia, Cardinals
• Junior Guerra, Brewers
• Brian Johnson, Red Sox
• Kenta Maeda, Dodgers
• Chris Martin, Rangers
• Collin McHugh, Astros
• Daniel Norris, Tigers
• Vidal Nuno, Rays
• Dan Otero, Indians
• Yusmeiro Petit, A's
• Erasmo Ramirez, Mariners
• Hector Velazquez, Red Sox
• Kirby Yates, Padres
CATCHERS
• Robinson Chirinos, Rangers
• Yadier Molina, Cardinals
• J.T. Realmuto, Marlins
INFIELDERS
• Whit Merrifield, Royals
• Amed Rosario, Mets
• Carlos Santana Phillies
• Eugenio Suarez, Reds
• Chris Taylor, Dodgers
OUTFIELDERS
• Ronald Acuna, Braves
• Mitch Haniger, Mariners
• Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers
• Rhys Hoskins, Phillies
• Kevin Pillar, Blue Jays
• Juan Soto, Nationals
