Murakami went 1-for-5 with one run scored and one RBI in a 14–1 win over the Athletics after being activated from the 10-day injured list. He was out for more than a month with a right hamstring strain. The rookie was also named to the AL All-Star team and added to the field for the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Monday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).
The All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Coaches and teammates applauded after Murakami was informed of the award during a pre-match meeting at the clubhouse.
“I just want to thank every player, staff and everyone in this organization for really supporting me through the rehab process, and I’m really excited to be back here with you guys,” Murakami said through a translator. “I can participate in this event because you guys are very warm towards me and are very good teammates and are there every single day. Having those teammates is what made me today and I really like to appreciate that. And I’m really excited to represent the team and play for the White Sox in the All-Star Game.”
Murakami, 26, started at first base in the weekend’s series opener against the Athletics. The White Sox went 17–18 while he was on the injured list.
Murakami was injured during a 4–3 win over the Detroit Tigers on May 29. At the time of the injury, he ranked among the major league leaders with 20 homers, 41 RBIs, 43 runs and a .947 OPS.
The White Sox had lost three straight and six of eight overall heading into the series against the A’s.
Murakami becomes the eighth rookie in franchise history to be named an All-Star. This list also includes Jose Abreu (2014), Ron Kittle (1983) and Minnie Miñoso (1951). He joins Shohei Ohtani (2021) as the only Japanese-born players to compete in the Derby.
In December, Murakami signed a two-year contract with Chicago worth $34 million. He made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Charlotte, going 2-for-7 with a double.
The White Sox also optioned infielder Jacob Gonzalez to Charlotte ahead of the A’s game. The 24-year-old Gonzalez, a first-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft, hit .244 with two homers and 17 RBIs in 30 games in his first major league stint.