The Chicago White Sox received encouraging news Monday as Munetaka Murakami officially began the next step in his recovery from a right hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old first baseman has joined Triple-A Charlotte for a minor league rehab assignment that begins Tuesday against the Nashville Sounds at Truist Field. If all goes well, Murakami could return to Chicago before the All-Star break.
Murakami has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on May 29 while trying to beat out a double-play ball against the Detroit Tigers. The White Sox have remained atop the AL Central at 47-42 despite going 18-15 during his absence.
Before landing on the injured list, Murakami was putting together one of the best rookie campaigns in baseball. Through 57 games, he batted .240 with a .938 OPS, 20 home runs, 41 RBIs and 43 runs after signing a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago following his standout career in Japan.
The White Sox view the rehab assignment primarily as an opportunity for Murakami to regain his timing at the plate after completing his running progression without setbacks.
Manager Will Venable said, "There’s a possibility that he plays for us before the break, for sure. We need him back obviously on the field, but just his presence, it means so much to have him in the lineup, what that does for you. I remember what it meant to have Adrián González in the lineup. When you have a guy like that in your lineup, everyone has a little more confidence in your ability to win that game."
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Murakami also shared his excitement through an interpreter, saying, "I’m just really happy that I am able to get back to playing baseball."
If his rehab stint goes as planned, the White Sox are expected to activate Murakami for next weekend's home series against the Oakland Athletics, giving their lineup a major boost before the All-Star break.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Prop Bets Today: Best MLB Player Prop Predictions for Saturday, July 4
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Saturday, July 4
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Saturday, July 4
