League president Hervy Kurisu said he spoke with officials from the Chicago White Sox, the organization that Inouye plays for, and the commissioner's office today to get the 2002 Mid-Pacific Institute graduate cleared for action starting with tomorrow's opener of a three-game series against the West Oahu CaneFires on Maui.

"It's a big surprise," said Inouye, who played for UH from 2003 to 2006 and was drafted by the White Sox in the 21st round after his senior season.

Three of the four HWB teams were carrying three catchers, except for the BeachBoys who had two, so Inouye adds depth to that position. Waikiki also might lose infielder Nick Evans (wrist) and pitcher Jose De La Torre (arm) to injuries, Kurisu said. The league already lost Honu first baseman Chris Errecart (Brewers), who fractured his right wrist in the second game of the season.

The addition of Inouye gives HWB two players from Hawai'i. The other is West Oahu pitcher Reid Santos (Castle 2000).

Inouye played catcher and batted .309 with five home runs, 28 RBI and five steals in 40 games for Great Falls (Mont.) of the rookie Pioneer League this past season.