Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami (26, Chicago White Sox) is set to make his comeback after a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury. The power-hitting rookie had been making waves in his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut season before the setback.
The White Sox organization announced on Monday that Murakami will suit up for their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, in a game against the Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee Brewers’ farm team) on Wednesday.
This rehab assignment in Triple-A marks the final step in Murakami’s journey back to the big leagues.
After fine-tuning his timing and regaining his form in Triple-A, Murakami is expected to rejoin the White Sox for their crucial three-game series against the Athletics from July 11 to 13 – the team’s final matchup before the All-Star break.
White Sox manager Will Venable expressed optimism about Murakami’s return, stating that having him back in the lineup before the All-Star break will be a huge boost for the team.
Murakami, who blasted 246 home runs over eight seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), inked a two-year, 34 million USD deal with the White Sox last winter to make his MLB debut.
The slugger’s season hit a snag on May 30 when he injured his hamstring while sprinting to first base after hitting a ground ball against the Detroit Tigers, landing him on the injured list.
Prior to his injury, Murakami was making a strong case for American League Rookie of the Year. In 57 games, he posted a .240 batting average (48 hits in 200 at-bats) with 20 home runs, 41 runs batted ins (RBI), 43 runs scored, and an impressive .938 on-base plus slugging (OPS).
The White Sox currently sit atop the American League Central Division with a 47-42 record, holding a slim one-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians (47-44).