White Sox Announce Munetaka Murakami News After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 3:36 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox have not been competitive for a few seasons now, and what has added to the frustration is the organization’s unwillingness to spend in free agency.

That changed this offseason when the franchise signed Japanese first baseman Munetaka Murakami to a two‑year, $34 million deal, a move that surprised the rest of the league given the expectation he would join a contender.

Regardless, Murakami is expected to bring immediate power to a young White Sox lineup, one that has talent but lacks established protection around its core hitters. Last year, in his final season overseas, Murakami posted a .286 batting average, .392 on‑base percentage, 1.051 OPS, 24 home runs and 52 RBIs across 69 games.

Concerns about how his production would translate to MLB contributed to the short‑term, prove‑it nature of his contract.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5)© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Even so, he has his opportunity, and early in spring training he has looked determined to make the most of it. Through his first 13 at‑bats, he has collected five hits, two RBIs and a .923 OPS. It is a small sample and only spring training, but the early success matters for his confidence and for showing he can be an impact bat at the major‑league level.

As the White Sox prepared for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Murakami was initially included in the starting lineup. However, hours before first pitch he was removed, immediately raising concern that he might have suffered a significant injury.

The White Sox quickly announced an update to ease those worries. “General fatigue. Precautionary in advance of his long travel day,” the team said, according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. The long travel day refers to Murakami’s scheduled departure from camp this week to join Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Munetaka Murakami was scratched from the lineup for “General fatigue. Precautionary in advance of his long travel day,” per the White Sox
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 26, 2026

With Murakami expected to play every day for Japan in what will be his second appearance in the international tournament, giving him extra rest makes sense. Once the WBC concludes, he will report back to Chicago ahead of Opening Day and the start of his debut MLB season.

For a White Sox team searching for signs of progress, Murakami’s transition will be one of the most important storylines of 2026, and keeping him fresh now is a small but meaningful step toward that goal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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