Munetaka Murakami
Breakdown
Performance
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August 17, 2026
Homers again Sunday
Murakami went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Tigers.
Analysis
Murakami broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning by taking Tyler Holton deep for a two-run homer, giving Chicago a lead it wouldn't relinquish. The slugger has now launched eight home runs over his last 20 games, driving in 15 runs during that stretch, and is up to 28 long balls on the season. Murakami owns a .235 average with an impressive .911 OPS across 88 games this season, though his massive power continues to come with swing-and-miss concerns, highlighted by a 33.4 percent strikeout rate.
August 15, 2026
Smacks solo homer Friday
Murakami went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and an additional run scored during the White Sox's 9-5 win over the Tigers on Friday.
Analysis
Murakami contributed to the White Sox's five-run fourth inning with a solo long ball off Jackson Jobe. It was Murakami's third homer in August and 27th of the year, tied with teammate Miguel Vargas for fourth most in the American League. Murakami also has a .909 OPS, which would be the eighth highest in the majors if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.
August 13, 2026
Getting breather Thursday
Murakami is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds.
Analysis
The left-handed-hitting slugger will get a day off as the Reds send southpaw Andrew Abbott to the bump. Miguel Vargas will slide over to first base, Colson Montgomery will handle third base, and Luisangel Acuna will enter the lineup at shortstop.