Murakami rejoins White Sox on same day he is named to AL All-Star team

CHICAGO (AP) — Munetaka Murakami has rejoined the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese slugger also has finalized some big plans for next week's All-Star break.

Murakami was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday after being sidelined by a strained right hamstring. The rookie also was named to the AL All-Star team and added to the field for the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.

The 26-year-old Murakami started at first base in the opener of a weekend series against the Athletics. The White Sox went 17-18 while he was on the injured list.

Murakami got hurt during a 4-3 victory 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 dropped three in a row and six of eight overall going into the series against the A's.

Murakami becomes the eighth rookie in franchise history to be named an All-Star, a list that also includes José Abreu (2014), Ron Kittle (1983) and Minnie Miñoso (1951). He is joining Shohei Ohtani (2021) as the only Japanese-born players to participate in the Derby.

Murakami signed a $34 million, two-year contract with Chicago in December. 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 before the matchup with the A's. 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 stint in the major leagues.

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