Munetaka Murakami officially to return to Chicago White Sox lineup for final series before All Star Break

The Chicago White Sox have been given a major bolt of hope before the 2026 All Star break.

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Following a rehab stint in Charlotte, it has been officially confirmed that Japanese rookie sensation Munetaka Murakami will indeed be returning to the Sox clubhouse on Friday.

The Chicago White Sox star slugger is expected to play in Friday’s series opener vs the Athletics

Chicago White Sox, Munetaka Murakami — May 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) chats with interpreter Kenzo Yagi (center) while being taken out of the game on a hamstring injury during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Scott Merkin confirmed the news following the Sox’s rough 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox. The Sox have now dropped three straight and remain tied with Cleveland for the AL Central lead.

Murakami officially back on Friday

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 9, 2026

Manager Will Venable told the media that the Japanese star “feels good and is ready to go” during Thursday’s presser.

https://Twitter.com/CHSN_WhiteSox/status/2075325527917834444/video/1?

Despite missing 35 games with a hamstring strain, Murakami still has the 14th most home runs in the MLB, with 20.

With the southsiders in a rough patch, this is the perfect time for Murakami to be back in the clubhouse.

It’s obvious that the team could use his power in the bat as the team has only scored three runs in their last three games. Hopefully, Mune can bring the team the spark it needs at the halfway point of the season.