Munetaka Murakami
Breakdown
Performance
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July 11, 2026
One hit in return
Murakami went 1-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Friday against the Athletics.
Analysis
Murakami returned after roughly a six-week absence and struck out in four of his five at-bats. He delivered an RBI double in his other plate appearance, continuing the boom-or-bust profile he had displayed early in the season. Murakami also returned to hit second in the order, and he should retain a key spot in the lineup moving forward.
July 10, 2026
Officially activated from IL
The White Sox activated Murakami (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Friday.
Analysis
Murakami suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain May 29 and ended up missing 35 games for Chicago. He appeared in two games with Triple-A Charlotte on a rehab assignment and went 2-for-7 at the plate with an RBI and a walk. Prior to his injury, Murakami was one of the hottest sluggers in the sport, blasting 20 homers with 41 RBI, 43 runs scored, 44 walks and a .938 OPS through his first 57 MLB games. The White Sox optioned Jacob Gonzalez to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
July 9, 2026
On track to return Friday
The White Sox are expected to activate Murakami (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday's game against the Athletics, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
On the shelf since May 30 due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Murakami appears poised to resume his outstanding rookie campaign this weekend after checking out well following two rehab games at Triple-A Charlotte. He's gone 2-for-7 with a double and a walk between the two contests and was able to play a full nine innings at first base Wednesday. Murakami's upcoming return from the IL is expected to most negatively affect fellow rookie Jacob Gonzalez, who had posted a .699 OPS in 29 games with the White Sox after stepping in for Murakami as the team's primary first baseman.
July 6, 2026
Beginning rehab stint Monday
Murakami (hamstring) will report to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday to begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.
Analysis
Murakami suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain in late May and landed on the 10-day injured list. The star rookie will likely need a couple of games in the minors to get his timing back at the plate, but he appears on track to rejoin the big-league squad before the All-Star break. Jacob Gonzalez has been hitting well over the past few weeks as Chicago's primary first baseman, but he'll likely lose out on playing time when Murakami is activated.