Munetaka Murakami Exits Game with Hamstring Injury

Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami left Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers due to tightness in his right hamstring. The team has announced that Murakami is undergoing further evaluation.

The injury occurred during the third inning when Murakami was running to first base on a fielder’s choice. With one out and a runner on first, Murakami hit a ground ball to second baseman Zach McKinstry. The Tigers secured a force at second base, but Murakami managed to reach first base safely, preventing a double play. Afterward, the training staff attended to Murakami, who was subsequently taken out of the game.

Murakami entered Friday’s game tied with Houston Astros’ Yordan Alvarez for the American League lead in home runs, with 20. He was also tied for the top spot in RBIs, having 41, alongside Tampa Bay Rays’ Jonathan Aranda. Notably, Murakami is the only rookie in Major League history to hit 20 home runs before June, following his offseason signing with the White Sox after eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.