# Murakami sets Japanese rookie home run record > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/murakami-hamstring-rehab > Updated: 2026-08-17T04:07:20.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 10. Following his recovery from a hamstring injury, Munetaka Murakami has maintained significant offensive momentum for the Chicago White Sox. On July 31, he hit his 24th home run of the season during a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. In mid-August, Murakami continued his power surge, hitting a decisive two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers on August 17 to reach 28 home runs. Murakami has since set a new record for the most home runs by a Japanese rookie in a single season after hitting his 29th solo home run against the Cubs. During this matchup at Wrigley Field, Murakami faced Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga. While Imanaga recorded 10 strikeouts, Murakami maintained a strong presence at the plate through walks and hard contact. In the same game, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki hit a 440-foot home run, his 22nd of the season. Off the field, the White Sox have organized a charity auction of Murakami-signed memorabilia to support victims of the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake. The current season is marked by high offensive output from Japanese talent; media reports note that if Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, and Shohei Ohtani all reach the 30-home run milestone, it would represent an ‘unprecedented achievement in MLB history.’ ## Claims - Munetaka Murakami hit two home runs (the 21st and 22nd of the season) on July 26, 2024. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Murakami Souta hit his 23rd home run of the season in the eighth inning, tying the game against the Yankees. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Murakami recorded a career‑high six RBIs in the game. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Murakami's parents threw the ceremonial first pitch before the game. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The game was designated as a bobblehead giveaway day for Murakami. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The game was played on July 29, 2026 (July 30 Japanese time) at Chicago's Rogers Canton Field. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 12‑3. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Murakami was selected as an All-Star replacement for Byron Buxton. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Murakami participated in the Home Run Derby. (corroborated by 2 sources) - White Sox catcher Edgar Quero delivered a walk‑off hit in the bottom of the 12th inning, giving Chicago a 6‑5 victory. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Sam Antanas hit a two‑run home run for the White Sox earlier in the eighth inning. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The White Sox defeated the Yankees 6‑5 after 12 innings. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Munetaka Murakami sets Japanese rookie home run record Munetaka Murakami has set a new MLB record for Japanese rookies with 29 home runs, while Seiya Suzuki hit his 22nd home run during a Chicago matchup featuring pitcher Shota Imanaga. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/munetaka-murakami-hits-28th-home-run-to-lead-white-sox-victory ### 2026-07-29: Murakami Sōtaka shines for Chicago White Sox, sparks fan excitement and charity drive Murakami Sōtaka’s two‑run homer lifts the White Sox, fuels fan excitement and a Kumamoto earthquake charity auction; teammate Okamoto Kazuma also shines for the Blue Jays. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murakami-stakas-23rd-hr-powers-white-sox-walkoff-over-yankees ### 2026-07-25: Munetaka Murakami hits two HRs, drives in six on bobblehead day as White Sox beat Astros Munetaka Murakami hit his 21st and 22nd homers, driving in six runs on his bobblehead day as the Chicago White Sox beat the Astros 12‑3; his parents threw the first pitch. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murakami-soutaku-hits-home-run-on-bubblehead-day-and-secures-all-star-spot ### 2026-07-14: Yamamoto Yu-nobu becomes eighth Japanese multiple-time MLB All-Star Yamamoto Yu-nobu became the eighth Japanese player to earn multiple MLB All-Star selections, joining Ohtani and Murakami as three Japanese All-Stars in 2026, while a record 15 Japanese players compete in the ML 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yamamoto-yu-nobu-becomes-eighth-japanese-multiple-time-mlb-all-star ### 2026-07-13: MLB All-Stars Murakami and Varland affirm long‑term plans after trade and All‑Star selections White Sox star Murakami says he wants to stay long‑term, while Blue Jays pitcher Varland reflects on a trade‑to‑All‑Star rise in just a year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-all-stars-murakami-and-varland-affirm-longterm-plans-after-trade-and-allstar-selections ### 2026-07-11: Pittsburgh Pirates trade No. 34 draft pick to Chicago White Sox for prospects Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert Pirates trade No. 34 pick and Jaden Woods to the White Sox for prospects Jacob Gonzalez and reliever Brandon Eisert, boosting both teams' farm depth. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-acquire-no-34-draft-pick-from-pittsburgh-pirates ### 2026-07-10: Chicago White Sox activate Murakami and trade Jacob Gonzalez to Pirates The Chicago White Sox activated first baseman Munetaka Murakami from the injured list and traded outfielder Jacob Gonzalez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 34th‑overall draft pick and reliever Jaden Woods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-activate-murakami-and-trade-jacob-gonzalez-to-pirates ### 2026-07-09: Munetaka Murakami Named All-Star, Adds Home Run Derby Spot After Return Munetaka Murakami returned from a hamstring injury, was named an AL All‑Star, and will join the Home Run Derby, becoming the second Japanese participant. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-sox-slugger-murakami-returns-from-injury-to-mlb ### 2026-07-06: Munetaka Murakami returns to action with White Sox rehab assignment Munetaka Murakami began a Triple‑A rehab assignment with the Charlotte Knights, getting a hit in his first at‑bat after a Grade‑2 hamstring strain, and faces a roster decision for the White Sox. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/munetaka-murakami-to-begin-rehab-assignment-sparking-white-sox-roster-decision ### 2026-06-12: White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami makes progress in hamstring rehab White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami is running again after a hamstring strain, expecting a 4‑6 week recovery while manager monitors his rehab progress. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-sox-first-baseman-munetaka-murakami-makes-progress-in-hamstring-rehab --- Cite as: Murakami sets Japanese rookie home run record. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/murakami-hamstring-rehab