White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami sure had an eventful Friday.
The Japanese slugger returned to the Sox lineup at first base and batting second against the Athletics, exactly six weeks after being sidelined by a Grade 2 right hamstring strain he suffered running out a grounder to first against Detroit on May 29.
Then the White Sox announced that Murakami, who entered with 20 home runs and 41 RBIs in his first 57 major league games, will be an American League All-Star reserve and participate in the Home Run Derby.
The news was leaked on the Rate Field video board with the words “Home Run Derby participant, Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox All-Star.” while the Sox took batting practice
The same message then appeared in the first inning and Sox confirmed the news with a tweet.
Murakami did not talk to reporters before the game.