White Sox get boost as Munetaka Murakami expected to return Friday

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

White Sox get boost as Munetaka Murakami expected to return Friday

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 3:42 PM ET

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The transition from NPB to MLB for Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami has been seamless so far this season.

After a hamstring injury sidelined him for some time, Murakami appears to be ready to return to action.

White Sox expected to activate Munetaka Murakami on Friday

According to White Sox beat writer Scott Merkin, Murakami is expected to be activated and in the Chicago lineup on Friday against the Athletics.

Murakami completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to be in the starting lineup for the first time since May 29.

After two games with @KnightsBaseball, Munetaka Murakami should be on his way to Chicago for a Friday night return with the White Sox ... and he might have a new haircut, or so he said last night: https://t.co/KwCVX7DKDd
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 9, 2026

The transition from NPB to MLB has been fascinating

Murakami may have been the most highly touted player to make the transition from NBP to MLB since Shohei Ohtani before the 2018 season. The expectations for Murakami were sky-high, and so far, he's delivered on them. Before his injury, Murakami posted a slash line of .240/.378/.560, good for an OPS of .938 through 200 at-bats.

Murakami has smashed 20 home runs, still tied for the 14th most in the major leagues, despite missing over a month. He was easily the runaway favorite for AL Rookie of the Year before his injury.

The White Sox lineup has struggled of late, managing five or more runs in just two of the last eight games, and the team is coming off being swept at home by the Boston Red Sox.

The addition of Murakami's bat back in the lineup, along with Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas, will be huge for Chicago's chances of being a surprise playoff team in the AL.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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