White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami exits with hamstring tightness

CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami left Friday's 4-3 extra-inning win against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning because of right hamstring tightness.

After the game, White Sox manager Will Venable described Murakami's injury as a "little hamstring strain on the initial evaluation" and suggested the slugging first baseman might be out for a while.

"He'll get some imaging tomorrow, but probably a couple weeks," Venable said.

When asked if Murakami was going to be placed on the IL, Venable reiterated, "Nothing official. Got to continue the evaluation, but it might be a couple weeks."

Murakami declined to comment after the game but a team spokesman said he would be available after a final determination was made before Saturday's afternoon contest against the Tigers.

The injury occurred when Murakami, 26, was legging out a possible double-play grounder hit to Detroit second baseman Zach McKinstry. The Tigers recorded a force out at second base but Murakami beat Zack Short's relay throw to first, keeping the inning alive.

However, Murakami grabbed at his right hamstring as the White Sox medical staff, manager Will Venable and interpreter Kenzo Yagi ran onto the field. After a brief conversation, Murakami left the game, occasionally grabbing at the hamstring as he walked.

In the very short term, the injury might have benefited the White Sox. Murakami was replaced by pinch-runner Luisangel Acuna, a much swifter baserunner. The speedy Acuna scored on Miguel Vargas' double into the left field corner, a ball that Murakami may have struggled to score on.

However, if Murakami were to miss any length of time, it would be a significant blow to the surprising White Sox, who entered play Friday with the fourth-best record in the AL despite coming off of three straight 100-loss seasons.

Chicago added to their building momentum after Murakami departed, winning on a two-run homer by Miguel Vargas in the 10th inning. Vargas said Murakami was the first one to greet his celebrating teammates in the clubhouse.

Vargas said that they will be ready to keep the momentum going if Murakami misses time.

"The whole group is on the same page," Vargas said. "We know the big piece that Mune is for the team, and all what he brings to the team. I think we'll stay together."

With Murakami injured, the White Sox are calling up infielder Jacob Gonzalez, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Gonzalez is one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues, batting .308/.414/.646 with 18 homers in 51 games.

Murakami, signed out of Japan to a two-year deal over the offseason, began the day tied for the AL lead with 20 home runs and stands as a leading AL Rookie of the Year candidate after two months of the 2026 season.br/]