CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox are on alert after Munetaka Murakami left the field this Friday. The Japanese player left the game against the Detroit Tigers due to discomfort in his right hamstring.
The situation occurred in the third inning, after Murakami reached first base on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second. Upon returning to the base, the first baseman showed gestures of pain, indicating a physical problem that required his substitution.
Luisángel Acuña, from Venezuela, took Murakami’s place and then scored a run driven in by a double from Cuban Miguel Vargas.
The possible injury of Murakami generates concern in Chicago, given his outstanding performance in his first season in the Major Leagues.
The 26-year-old Japanese slugger has played in all 57 games of the season and shares the American League home run lead with Yordan Álvarez, both with 20 home runs.
Furthermore, Murakami presents a solid offensive line with an OPS of .938 and an on-base percentage of .378, which has consolidated him as a key figure in the team’s attack.
Murakami arrived at the White Sox last season after signing a two-year, $34 million contract, and quickly became one of the most prominent figures in the championship.
