Mesa Spring Training Debut
MESA, Arizona (AP) — Munetaka Murakami made his debut in the Cactus League with the Chicago White Sox after navigating some unexpected traffic delays. The Japanese powerhouse arrived just twenty minutes prior to the first pitch but managed to impress on the field with two hits and two RBIs, contributing to an 8-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
Transition to Major League Baseball
Recently signed to a $34 million, two-year deal in December, the 26-year-old Murakami is adjusting to life in Major League Baseball after a stellar career in Japan. His late arrival due to a significant highway accident prompted an initial absence from the starting lineup, but he quickly settled in once at the stadium.
“I was quite anxious throughout the journey, and honestly, I couldn’t prepare as fully as I would’ve liked,” Murakami admitted through a translator. “However, I was relieved to arrive in time for the game.”
Notable Performances
Murakami wasn’t alone in his debut; the first day of spring training was marked by multiple players making their first appearances with new teams. Alex Bregman, who joined the Cubs on a five-year, $175 million contract, played for three innings but did not achieve a hit. Reflecting on the experience, Bregman stated:
“It was fantastic to play in a spring training game with the Cubs. The atmosphere was incredible.”
In other highlights, both Pete Alonso and Nolan Arenado showcased their talents for their respective teams. Alonso, now with the Baltimore Orioles following a $155 million five-year contract, celebrated his new team’s 2-0 win against the New York Yankees with a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Similarly, Arenado, an eight-time All-Star acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, contributed to the Diamondbacks’ 3-2 victory over the Rockies with a leadoff home run in the second inning.
Murakami’s Game Highlights
Back to Murakami’s performance, he entered the game at first base and recorded his first hit with a solid single in the third inning, featuring an impressive exit velocity. Later, he struck a two-run double in the fourth inning that helped boost his team’s lead when Cubs center fielder Seiya Suzuki misjudged the fly ball.
Reflecting on his performance, Murakami expressed satisfaction in not sustaining any injuries and noted the nerves he felt at the beginning of the game started to dissipate once he engaged in play.
“Getting those butterflies out of my system was a relief. Once I started fielding and batting, I felt much more at ease,” he explained.
He and Suzuki will soon join forces representing Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, and they have previously discussed adapting to life in Chicago.
In his final at-bat, Murakami struck out but left the game on a high note, replaced defensively in the sixth inning. Manager Will Venable praised Murakami’s dedication and professionalism, stating:
“His commitment and adaptability during this transition have been remarkable. It’s that ability to adjust that reassures us of his potential as the season progresses.”
Looking Ahead
With Murakami on board, the White Sox are hopeful for a vigorous turnaround after experiencing a difficult three seasons, losing a combined total of 324 games. His remarkable record in Japan includes a batting average of .270, 246 home runs, and 647 RBIs over eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows in the Central League.
