White Sox place rookie Munetaka Murakami on IL with hamstring strain

The Chicago White Sox have placed rookie phenom Munetaka Murakami on the injured list with a hamstring strain, the team announced on social media.

Murakami has been near the front of the MLB’s home run race all season and is currently sitting at 20 homers on the year.

He suffered the hamstring injury while running to first base on a grounder in the third inning of Friday’s matchup with the Detroit Tigers.

Shortly after Murakami left the game and was ruled out, White Sox manager Will Venable told reporters that he could be out for a couple weeks.

The 25-year-old has been on a tear to start his MLB career, batting .240/.378/.560 in 246 plate appearances so far. In Wednesday’s victory over the Minnesota Twins, he became the fastest player in White Sox history to reach 20 career home runs.

His absence could be a major blow for a Chicago squad that has been surprisingly competitive this season. In fact, the White Sox were able to win Friday’s game off a walk-off home run by Miguel Vargas in the 10th inning.

Vargas went on to say the team is aware of Murakami’s importance, but is prepared to keep their momentum going.

“The whole group is on the same page,” he said. “We know the big piece that Mune is for the team, and all what he brings to the team. I think we’ll stay together.”

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published May 30, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.