White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami advanced through his hamstring recovery by running the bases Friday and taking infield practice at first base. If he does the same again Saturday, he could head to Triple-A Charlotte as early as Sunday in Memphis and potenti
CLEVELAND — The White Sox saw a clear milestone in Munetaka Murakami’s return plan on Friday: he ran the bases.
Manager Will Venable had set the condition first, saying Murakami needed to be able to run the bases on back-to-back days before going on a rehab assignment. Friday was the first of those days. Murakami also took infield practice at first base, and he is expected to run again Saturday.
If that next day goes well, Murakami could play at Triple-A Charlotte as soon as Sunday in Memphis. Charlotte’s Knights are off Monday, then begin a six-game homestand Tuesday. Venable previously said Murakami would need only a couple of days on the rehab assignment. which would put his return on track for the Sox’ homestand next week.
Murakami was expected to miss four to six weeks after straining his right hamstring while running to first base on a grounder that led to a forceout at second. Next Friday will mark six weeks since the injury.
That timing creates a fork in the road: if Murakami is named an All-Star—rosters will be revealed at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Fox 32—and he is playing, would he attend the July 13-14 festivities in Philadelphia?
“I don’t know about that,” Venable said Friday before the game against the Guardians. “I just want him to get back healthy as soon as he can for us.”
Venable acknowledged the pull of the All-Star weekend and what it would mean for a player whose performance has earned him consideration. But he drew a bright line back to the medical priority.
“I understand the implications of the All-Star Game and how awesome that is. and his performance has certainly warranted him participating in that game. ” he said. “But we want him with us being healthy and don’t have an exact timeline when that will be. The All-Star Game is not going to influence that.”.
Murakami has spoken to the media once during his time on the injured list. His interpreter, Kenzo Yagi, declined the Sun-Times’ request to speak with Murakami on Friday. When there is news—such as his All-Star selection or activation from the injured list—Murakami is expected to speak then. which is also where any potential All-Star Game plans would become clearer.
Even if the Sox would prefer Murakami not participate, MLB could require it. Last year. Brewers fire-balling right-hander Jacob Misiorowski was named as an injury replacement for the Cubs’ Matthew Boyd. playing in a record-low five games before becoming an All-Star. Even if Murakami is not named to the game Saturday, he could still be an injury replacement for someone else.
What does not change is how much the Sox want him back. Despite missing five weeks. Murakami ranks second on the team with 20 home runs. recently surpassed only by Colson Montgomery. who hit his 21st homer Tuesday in Baltimore. Miguel Vargas is next with 19. Murakami was tied for ninth in the majors entering Friday.
The lineup has held up without him for the moment. Entering Friday, the Sox were 15-14 since he went on the IL. They also ranked tied for second in the majors with the Dodgers with 120 homers.
When Murakami returns, Chicago faces a roster reality that can’t be brushed aside. Jacob Gonzalez has stepped in at first base, and his bat has surged. In his previous eight games, Gonzalez batted .400 with a 1.088 OPS, one homer and 12 RBI. He is also hitting .471 (8-for-17) with 14 RBI with runners in scoring position.
If the Sox keep Gonzalez, they’ll have to find playing time somewhere else. One option could be moving Murakami into the designated hitter role some of the time to keep him off his feet as he gets back. Even if they send rookie outfielder Junior Perez back to Charlotte. there would still be a puzzle to piece together across the next stretch of games.
Munetaka Murakami Will Venable White Sox hamstring injury rehab assignment Triple-A Charlotte All-Star rosters Jacob Gonzalez Colson Montgomery MLB
So he ran the bases and now he’s basically good again? Baseball rehab is always weirdly fast.
All-Star weekend in Philly is July 13-14 right? If he’s hurt, why would they even let him go, like shouldn’t he rest. Unless they think hamstrings don’t matter on grass?
Wait, reply_to 1?? But anyway, I saw ‘Charlotte’ and thought that means he’s going to the minor leagues forever. Also isn’t Triple-A Charlotte like the same as Memphis? I get lost with all the towns lol.
Four to six weeks turned into running bases in like no time, so either his hamstring wasn’t that bad or they’re rushing him. And the Sox really should just ignore the All-Star thing because if he hurts it again that’s on them, not Fox 32 or whatever.