Chicago White Sox announce roster move for return of Munetaka Murakami

The Chicago White Sox are 47-45 on the season and, somehow, still remain in first place in the American League Central Division. Indeed, they are one of the best stories in baseball this season. After three straight years of losing 100+ games, they are suddenly one of just a handful of American League teams with a winning record.

They have, however, been struggling as of late. Chicago just got swept by the Boston Red Sox and have lost six of their last eight games. Fortunately, Munetaka Murakami, their prized rookie slugger, is returning from the injured list today.

The Chicago White Sox activate Munetaka Murakami from the injured list

Back on May 29, Murakami was removed for the White Sox game with an injured hamstring. It was revealed afterwards that he had strained it, and he was placed on the 10-day injured list.

After completing his rehab assignment this week, Munetaka is returning to Chicago’s lineup for their final series before the All-Star break. To make room for him on the roster, the White Sox are sending Jacob Gonzalez back to Triple-A:

pic.twitter.com/rvORkeqMMJ

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 10, 2026

In 30 games played this season after getting called up, Gonzalez hit .244/.323/.360 with two home runs and 16 RBI.

Prior to going on the injured list, Murakami hit .240/.378/.560 with 20 home runs and 41 RBI. When he first went on IL, he was the AL leader in home runs and near the top of the league’s leader board in walks.

Adding the Japanese slugger, whom they surprisingly signed this off-season to a two-year $34 million deal, will give the White Sox yet another 20-home run hitter in their lineup. Both Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery have reached that plateau since Murakami went on IL.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Munetaka Murakami set to return to White Sox lineup for final series before All-Star break
• White Sox leapfrog New York Yankees in latest MLB power rankings
• White Sox urged to trade for 8x All-Star ahead of MLB trade deadline

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