​Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami delivered an RBI double in his second injury rehabilitation appearance for Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday. In a 6-3 loss to Nashville at Truist Field? Correction: The Knights played in Charlotte, as the report states, Murakami went 1-for-4 with one RBI, one walk and one run, contributing as he spent the entire game in the lineup. The Knights fell 6-3 to Nashville in Charlotte, but Murakami’s performance continued to show encouraging signs as he works his way back from a right hamstring strain.
The key moment came in the first inning when Murakami lined a run-scoring double to center field, driving in a run and providing Charlotte with an early offensive spark. He remained active through the middle innings, flying out to left in the third and popping out to short in the sixth, continuing to stack at-bats as part of his rehab process. In the eighth inning, Murakami drew a walk, and he capitalized by advancing from second base on a single to help create scoring opportunities for the Knights. The at-bats continued to come, with Murakami grounding out to second base for the final out of the game in the ninth inning, closing his night with a productive, if bittersweet, line.
Through two rehab appearances with the Knights, Murakami is now 2-for-7 with one RBI and one walk. This extended early action at Triple-A is designed to test his lingering hamstring injury and help him regain timing, balance, and confidence at the plate before he is cleared to rejoin the parent club in Chicago.
Sox manager Will Venable offered an update on Murakami prior to Wednesday’s game, describing the progress as encouraging. “He recovered well,” Venable said. “He did a good job on the field.” Those remarks followed Tuesday’s positive development when Venable noted there were “really good reports” about Murakami’s conditioning and readiness to ramp up his rehab activities.
Murakami has been on the injured list since May 30 due to a right hamstring strain suffered the night before. Venable indicated on the day of Wednesday’s game that Murakami’s status remained day to day, reflecting the careful, gradual approach the organization is taking to ensure a full, durable return. The White Sox will continue monitoring his progress and utilization in Charlotte as he progresses toward a potential return to Chicago, with the goal of reintegrating him into the lineup with peak performance and minimal risk of re-injury.
For fans following the road back for Murakami, the takeaway from Wednesday’s game is clear: the swing, speed, and bat-to-ball feel appear to be coming back in a meaningful way. The RBI double in the first inning stands as a tangible sign of his power re-emerging, while the plate discipline demonstrated by the eighth-inning walk signals improved pitch recognition and a patient approach—traits that will be critical as he moves closer to a big-league return. As Murakami continues his rehab assignment, Chicago sports observers will be watching closely to see when the club determines he is ready to rejoin the White Sox and contribute at the major league level with the same slugging potential that makes him a key piece of the franchise’s long-term plan.