Munetaka Murakami, the Chicago White Sox first baseman, hit a high fly ball with an exit velocity of 107.6 mph against the Minnesota Twins. However, center fielder Walker Jenkins caught it before the warning track, resulting in an out. Murakami has struggled lately, with a .085 average after going 5-for-59 in his last 16 games.

White Sox manager Will Venable commented on Murakami’s performance, noting his hard but high hitting swings. Venable believes Murakami is close to flattening his swings for better results. Despite the struggles, Murakami’s contact and presence on the field contribute to the team’s success.

On Saturday, Murakami hit his 30th home run of the season, joining teammates Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery in reaching the milestone. Montgomery added his 31st homer shortly after Murakami’s. This marked Murakami’s first home run since August 18.

“There have been at-bats where I’ve been thinking about too much of getting the angles too much higher on the swings,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “It’s important for me to really think in a positive way, even if it’s out.”

Murakami is determined to maintain his routine, preparing consistently for each game. He believes sticking to this approach will lead to better outcomes and a new path forward.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz emphasizes the team’s support for each other during highs and lows. Getz regards Murakami as a threat at the plate, contributing to the team’s overall lineup impact even when not performing optimally.

The Sox signed Murakami on a two-year, $34 million contract, leading to a successful season despite missing games due to a hamstring strain. Murakami’s contributions, including his power at the plate and teamwork, have been significant.

Murakami is focusing on improving his performance, aiming to turn around his recent batting average for September. He stresses the importance of appreciating their current position and concentrating on each game.