CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox are on alert after Munetaka Murakami left the game against the Detroit Tigers due to a right hamstring issue.
The starting pitcher left the game in the third inning after reaching first base and advancing to second. Upon returning to the base, Murakami touched the back of his right leg, showing gestures of pain, which led to his substitution to be evaluated by the medical team.
Luisángel Acuña replaced the Japanese player and scored a run driven in by a double from Miguel Vargas.
The possible injury raises concerns in Chicago, given Murakami’s 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, he maintains a strong offensive line with an OPS of .938 and an on-base percentage of .378, solidifying himself as a key figure in the offense.
Murakami came to the White Sox during the offseason, signing a two-year, $34 million contract.
