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White Sox first baseman to begin rehab assignment Monday
The player will start a rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte after missing time with a right hamstring injury. A return to the major league roster before the All-Star break remains possible if the assignment proceeds without setbacks.
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White Sox rookie first baseman Munetaka Murakami will begin a rehab assignment Monday at Triple-A Charlotte. The stint serves as the final step before he can rejoin the major league roster following a right hamstring injury. Murakami has been out since suffering a Grade 2 strain on May 29.
He was injured while trying to beat out a double-play grounder against Detroit. At the time of the injury, Murakami was tied for the AL lead in home runs and led the league in runs scored. He has continued traveling with the team during his recovery.
If the assignment goes smoothly, Murakami could return before the All-Star break. "I'm just really happy that I am able to get back to playing baseball," Murakami said through an interpreter Sunday. 240 with 20 home runs, 43 runs, and 41 RBIs in his first season with the White Sox.
The team signed him to a two-year, $34-million contract in December. The White Sox went 17-15 without Murakami and moved back into first place in their division after splitting a four-game series with Cleveland. Venable noted the team needs Murakami back on the field and said his presence in the lineup means a great deal.
