Munetaka Murakami Makes Big Career Decision After Return From Injury
Munetaka Murakami is back in the lineup and heading to the Home Run Derby, with the Chicago White Sox announcing Friday that their rookie first baseman will participate in the 2026 Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 13.
The announcement came on the same day Murakami was activated from the 10-day injured list after a six-week absence with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. He was also named to the American League All-Star roster as a replacement for Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, giving him two events during All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
To open a roster spot, the White Sox optioned infielder Jacob Gonzalez to Triple-A Charlotte. Manager Will Venable confirmed Murakami will ease back into action primarily as a designated hitter during the current series against the Oakland Athletics.
On a Mune mission
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 10, 2026
Munetaka Murakami will participate in the 2026 Home Run Derby! pic.twitter.com/8lOcoBUZM8
Murakami, 26, signed a two-year, $34 million deal with Chicago this past offseason after spending his entire professional career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan. He set the all-time NPB single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player with 56 home runs and is a three-time Central League MVP.
Through 57 games before the injury, he was batting .240 with 20 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .938 OPS. His 94.2 mph average exit velocity and 20.7% barrel rate ranked among the best in baseball this season.
He completed just two rehab games with Triple-A Charlotte before being cleared. Venable said Murakami will not be stealing bases before the break as the club manages his hamstring carefully.
The White Sox are 47-45 and first in the American League Central. Murakami is the eighth and final participant in the Derby field, which streams live on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET on July 13.
His addition gives the event one of baseball's most compelling storylines, with the sport's biggest international draw competing in his first big-league showcase at the All-Star break.
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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 8:21 PM.