White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami finally hit something other than a home run after record-setting start
Munetaka Murakami hasn't stopped hitting home runs since his MLB debut.
Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami came over to MLB this offseason with muted expectations. Murakami displayed prodigious power and plate discipline in Nippon Professional Baseball, but worries about his contact skills severely depressed his contract, leading to him signing with the White Sox … as opposed to a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers. But through 35 games, it looks as though 29 MLB teams made a huge mistake.
Murakami clearly made some adjustments, and — entering Tuesday — is tied for the MLB lead with 14 home runs and tied for the American League lead with 28 RBI. Those 14 home runs are even more notable than they appear. Entering Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, every single one of Murakami’s extra-base hits were home runs.
He added to that streak in the fourth inning, smacking a high fastball from Angels starter Jose Soriano out to deep center for another home run. MUNETAKA MURAKAMI! He ties Aaron Judge for the MLB home run lead with No.
14! 😤 pic. twitter.