The White Sox have met every challenge this season. Now, at least for a little while, they’ll be forced to go without their biggest bat.
Before Saturday’s game against the Tigers, the Sox officially placed first baseman Munetaka Murakami on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain suffered during the third inning Friday night. In a corresponding move, the Sox brought up infielder and former first-round pick Jacob Gonzalez.
To make room for Gonzalez on the 40-man roster, the Sox moved Jordan Leasure (right flexor strain) to the 60-day IL.
A third of the way through his first big-league season, Murakami has been a power-hitting sensation and injected life into a moribund franchise, fueling their surprisingly successful and fun 30-27 start. Murakami’s 20 home runs are tied for the American League lead, his locker-room presence has been touted by his teammates and his power has endeared him to Sox fans.
Unfortunately, in a scene reminiscent of the days of Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez, that’s on pause for at least 10 days after Murakami injured his hamstring sprinting to first base to beat out a double play.
A consolation is that the Sox will get to see Gonzalez, the 15th overall pick in 2023, for the first time in the major leagues. Though that debut will not be as a starter Saturday; against Detroit lefty Framber Valdez, the Sox shifted Miguel Vargas to first base, Colson Montgomery to third and inserted Luisangel Acuna at shortstop.
After struggling at multiple minor-league levels in both 2024 and 2025, Gonzalez has broken out this year at Triple-A Charlotte. In 52 games, Gonzalez has 19 home runs, a .419 on-base percentage and .668 slugging percentage.
Saturday is also Gonzalez’s 24th birthday.