White Sox star Munetaka Murakami exits game with hamstring injury scare

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami left Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers because of right hamstring tightness.

According to a team statement, Murakami is undergoing further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury.

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The 26-year-old appeared to hurt himself while running out a potential double play in the third inning.

Detroit secured a force out at second base, but Murakami beat the relay throw to first to keep the inning alive.

Shortly afterwards, Murakami grabbed at his right hamstring as White Sox medical staff, manager Will Venable and interpreter Kenzo Yagi ruhsed onto the field.

He eventually walked off slowly while continuing to hold the back of his leg.

Murakami was replaced by pinch runner Luisangel Acuna, who later scored on a double from Miguel Vargas.

Any extended absence would be a major setback for Chicago, who entered Friday with the fourth-best record in the American League despite enduring three consecutive 100-loss seasons before this year.

Murakami, who joined the White Sox from Japan on a two-year contract during the offseason, started the day tied for the American League lead with 20 home runs.