The Chicago White Sox are getting their big bat back. Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger who has been sidelined for over a month with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, is expected to be activated Friday for the series opener against the Athletics.
Scott Merkin of MLB.com broke the news Thursday. Murakami hasn’t played since May 29, when he pulled up lame during a game against the Tigers. The timing works. The White Sox just got swept at home by the Red Sox and could use a jolt.
Manager Will Venable didn’t hide his excitement.
“I think it’s going to be a great jolt. That’s real. We understand the impact he makes on the field and in the clubhouse so to activate him is going to mean a lot for our group. Really excited about him,” Venable said.
What Murakami Brings
The numbers speak for themselves. In 57 games this season — his first in the majors after a legendary career in NPB — Murakami is hitting .240/.378/.560 with 20 home runs and 41 RBIs. That’s a home run roughly every 12 at-bats. The on-base percentage is elite. The power is legitimate.
He made a couple rehab appearances with Triple-A Charlotte and went 2-for-7 with a double. Nothing flashy, but the organization feels confident he’s ready.
Where the White Sox Stand
Without Murakami, Chicago went 17-18. That’s not a disaster, but it’s not division-leading baseball either. The White Sox enter Friday at 47-45, still first in the AL Central. The lead isn’t comfortable. Every game matters.
Murakami’s return strengthens a lineup that has been inconsistent lately. The White Sox saw what life is like without his presence in the middle of the order, and it wasn’t pretty. They scored three runs or fewer in five of their last seven games before the sweep.
Venable is banking on Murakami snapping the offense out of its funk. The guy hits the ball hard. He changes how opposing pitchers approach the lineup. Having him back in the four-hole Friday should make a difference immediately.
First pitch against Oakland is set for 7:10 p.m. CT at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Leave a Comment