After latest rehab game, Murakami could return to Sox lineup Friday

CHICAGO -- Munetaka Murakami, who is recovering from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain he sustained beating out a double-play grounder against Detroit on May 29 at Rate Field, moved on to Game 2 of his rehab assignment for Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday night.

Murakami hit second and played first base during a 6-3 loss to Nashville, after getting three at-bats and five innings at first base in Tuesday’s 8-2 victory.

“Really good reports. He recovered well,” said White Sox manager Will Venable. “He did a good job on the field.”

Here’s the rest of what you need to know.

How did he perform?
Murakami struck in his first at-bat, just as he did Tuesday, lofting a double to left-center off Tyson Hardin and driving in Rikuu Nishida.

In his second at-bat, Murakami flied out to left field and then popped up to shortstop in his third at-bat, followed by an eighth-inning walk and coming home on Nolan Jones’ single. Murakami grounded out to end the game. He also made a nice grab of a Tyler Black first-inning line drive.

His results didn’t matter as much as the repetitions for Murakami.

“It’s been a while since I’ve played, so a little bit tired, but it’s good to be out there,” Murakami told reporter Kendall Smith through interpreter Kenzo Yagi. “It’s still a part of the rehabilitation process, and I’m feeling good. Just kind of tired after two straight games.”

What’s next?
The answer could be for Murakami to enjoy a piece of deep dish pizza in Chicago this weekend, but Murakami’s cheat food is ramen, so pizza isn’t on the agenda.

All kidding aside, the slugging first baseman with 20 home runs should be back in the White Sox lineup Friday night for the series opener against the Athletics. The White Sox play a day game Thursday at Rate Field, and the Knights are set for another night game against the Sounds. So Thursday could be a travel and rest day for Murakami.

Venable mentioned the evaluations being day to day regarding Murakami during his media session prior to a 5-0 loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday. He also has talked on a couple of occasions this past week about the possibility of Murakami being activated before the All-Star Game.

An interesting roster decision comes along with Murakami’s return. Left-handed-hitting rookie Jacob Gonzalez has played all but one inning of his 29 games at first base, knocking out two homers, four doubles and driving in 17. He would seem the likely move, but he has the ability to play across the infield, so it will be a tough call.

“With Mune being out, there was a need for him at first base. He’s done a great job of it, but yeah, he can play different positions,” said Venable of Gonzalez. “It’s something we value.

“We talk about defensive versatility for all our guys. Certainly Jacob has that. As we continue to evaluate the best fit for Jacob and all these guys, him being able to play multiple positions is factored.”

What are they saying?
“He means a lot for this lineup. He’s a great hitter. Not just for the lineup but the clubhouse in general. He’s a great leader. He’s a guy who everyone here looks to. It means a lot to everyone here.” -- All-Star third baseman Miguel Vargas on the upcoming return of his teammate

What else?
• When asked by Smith what he still would like to check off the list in Charlotte to be ready for Chicago, Murakami went the good hygiene route.

“Maybe to cut my hair or something like that,” Murakami said. “To clean up a little bit overall.”

Murakami’s hair has grown out during his injury absence.

• Murakami paid for the Knights’ postgame food spread. According to Smith, that meal consisted of Yume Ramen Sushi and Bar in Charlotte: Sushi, steak, chicken, rice, and red velvet cake for dessert.