White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami left Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning with right hamstring tightness, an early setback for a power surge that had him tied for the AL lead with 20 home runs.
White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami walked off the field in the third inning on Friday night, replaced after right hamstring tightness flared during a moment that looked routine until it wasn’t.
Murakami had entered the game tied for the American League lead with 20 home runs. In the inning, after running to first base, he appeared to be in discomfort. His grounder had forced out Sam Antonacci at second, but the play came with a cost: the White Sox were soon without one of their key bats.
Luisangel Acuna took over as a pinch runner while Murakami underwent medical evaluation, the team announced. The club later noted that the right-hander has a flexor strain in his right forearm.
It was a jarring turn for a rising star from Japan who has been drawing attention for his impact at the plate. On Thursday, manager Will Venable said, “It was outstanding.”
The immediate worry now is how quickly Murakami can recover and whether the hamstring tightness signals anything more than a manageable injury. For a lineup built around his power. the timing of the exit—early enough that the team has time to reassess before the next game—does not erase the uncertainty that follows an on-field scare.
White Sox Munetaka Murakami Detroit Tigers hamstring injury flexor strain AL home run lead Luisangel Acuna Will Venable