Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami will enter the postseason together as the Chicago White Sox prepare to face the Houston Astros in the American League Wild Card Series.
Ahead of Game 1 at Daikin Park, Vargas spoke about his relationship with Murakami and described the rookie infielder as one of his best friends.
The connection between the two players has developed during a season that saw the White Sox return to the postseason after three consecutive 100-loss campaigns.
Vargas has been an important part of Chicago’s lineup throughout the season. He finished the regular season with a .250 batting average, 33 home runs, 93 RBI and 101 walks.
Murakami also provided significant power in his first MLB season. He finished with 35 home runs across 553 plate appearances and entered the postseason after hitting four homers over his final 10 games.
The White Sox finished the regular season 84-78 and secured a Wild Card spot after finishing second in the AL Central. Houston won the AL West with an 81-81 record.
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The Astros did have the better record between the two teams during the regular season, going 5-2 against Chicago.
Now, Vargas and Murakami will look to carry their production into October as the White Sox begin their best-of-three Wild Card Series in Houston. Their friendship adds another layer to a young Chicago team making its return to the postseason.
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