Munetaka Murakami returns to action with White Sox rehab assignment

White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami, who suffered a Grade‑2 right‑hamstring strain on May 29 against the Detroit Tigers, began a rehab assignment with the Triple‑A Charlotte Knights on Tuesday. The assignment marked his first game since the injury, as he started at second base and leadoff in Charlotte’s home series against the Nashville Sounds. Murakami recorded a single in his first at‑bat and finished the game 1‑for‑3 with three strikeouts before being lifted in the fifth inning.

Because the player’s helmet from the major‑league club had not arrived, he wore a minor‑league helmet, a rarity noted by the team reporter. Chicago manager Will Venable confirmed the hamstring responded well to back‑to‑back high‑intensity baserunning sessions, and the team gave Murakami the green light to return to game action. The timing of his return creates a roster decision for Chicago, potentially affecting the status of prospect Jacob González.

The rehab stint is part of the White Sox’s plan to have Murakami ready for the upcoming major‑league series, with the club estimating a 4‑6‑week recovery window that is now nearly complete.