White Sox get much-needed news after being swept by Red Sox

The Chicago White Sox have been one of the biggest surprise teams in MLB during the first half of the 2026 season. After entering the year with modest expectations, Chicago has exceeded nearly every projection and enters the final weekend before the All-Star break atop the American League Central. However, the momentum that carried them through the first three months of the season has begun to fade.

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A Rough Start to July

The White Sox have stumbled out of the gate this month, posting a disappointing 2-6 record in July. Their latest setback came in the form of a three-game sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, a series that tightened the AL Central race considerably.

What once looked like a comfortable position atop the division has quickly become much more competitive, with the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and even the Detroit Tigers all closing the gap.

Fortunately for Chicago, help appears to be on the way.

Murakami Set to Return

According to White Sox beat reporter Scott Merkin, slugger Munetaka Murakami is expected to be activated and return to the lineup on Friday. That news couldn’t come at a better time.

Before landing on the injured list, Murakami had established himself as one of baseball’s most dangerous power hitters. Through the first 57 games of his major league career, he launched 20 home runs while posting an outstanding .378 on-base percentage.

His ability to change a game with one swing has been sorely missed during Chicago’s recent offensive struggles.

A Timely Boost

Getting Murakami back gives the White Sox exactly what they need heading into the second half of the season. Not only does his return add another middle-of-the-order bat, but it should also take pressure off the rest of the lineup and provide a much-needed emotional lift after a difficult week.

The AL Central remains one of baseball’s most competitive divisions, and every game will matter from this point forward. If Chicago hopes to hold off the Guardians, Twins, and Tigers, having one of its best hitters back in the lineup could make all the difference.

After a disappointing series against Boston, the White Sox finally have some positive news—and the return of Munetaka Murakami may be exactly what they need to get their season back on track.

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