Murakami progressing from injury, wishing he could face Dodgers

CHICAGO -- The postponement of Thursday night’s contest between the Braves and White Sox gave Munetaka Murakami a free night in Chicago.

So how did the talented first baseman for the South Siders spend his free time? With his parents, of course.

Kimiya and Fumiyo, his father and mother, arrived from Japan on Tuesday and had a good time via a late Thursday dinner. They enjoyed the food in Chicago and said the city reminded them of Japan with its cleanliness.

This trip would have been perfect if Murakami was in action against the Braves or the Dodgers this weekend. But at two weeks into his injury rehab for a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Murakami still has another 2-4 weeks before a return is possible.

“It’s coming along well. Progress is being made day by day. I’m doing well in the rehab itself. Doing really well,” said Murakami via interpreter Kenzo Yagi, speaking in the White Sox dugout prior to Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers. “The pain has obviously gone down after two weeks. I’m really feeling good.

“I’m going to keep focusing on what I have in front of me. I’m going to stay very patient with myself and keep going.”

Even with his absence, Murakami was tied with Byron Buxton for second in the American League at 20 home runs entering Friday. Shingo Takatsu, the cult hero closer for the White Sox in 2004 and also at the start of the 2005 World Series championship season, was in attendance Friday, and was reminded of his prediction of 55 home runs for Murakami during a Spring Training interview with CHSN.

That prediction might have been in play if not for Murakami’s injury absence. Takatsu managed Murakami in Japan with Yakult, so he knows Murakami’s immense abilities. The people of Chicago quickly learned about Murakami, who has changed this franchise in so many ways -- from on the field to opening up the pacific rim area for future players, marketing and fan interest.

His immediate fit in the Midwest has brought happiness to his parents.

“I was very very worried about my son when we found out he was going to come to America,” Fumiyo said through an interpreter. “But the city has been great. The fans have been wonderful.

“Everyone has just treated him like another member of the family. We are very happy.”

When asked if they missed their son, both of Murakami’s parents smiled and said, “Very much so.” White Sox fans feel the same.

They sit atop the American League Central going into this series with the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers. But those fans can envision greener pastures.

Left-handed starter Noah Schultz (right patellar tendinitis) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday, and if all goes well, he’ll join Triple-A Charlotte next week on a rehab assignment. Catcher Kyle Teel, who has battled through right hamstring and right knee issues, also is close to a rehab assignment.

“I’m happy for the guys and can’t wait to get back,” Schultz said. “It’s sick. It’s great. It’s awesome to see.”

Teel added: “I feel like I’m just excited for what’s to come with this team. It’s an exciting group of guys focused on the right things, and I’m excited to be a part of that again.”

Work continues for Murakami on his return to the White Sox. He wanted to face fellow Japanese standouts Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and play against Shohei Ohtani this weekend, but he can still try to help his team win.

“Each player wants to win every single day. It really shows out there we have a great atmosphere. For myself, I just want to contribute and cheer them on,” Murakami said. “I obviously wanted to be out on the field and actually play. That’s really disappointing.

“Playing is where you get the most experience. I’m trying to visualize stuff so when I get back out there. I’m able to contribute the best I can. But there’s nothing more than gaining experience out on the field.”