The Chicago White Sox are calling up infield prospect Jacob Gonzalez for what would be his major league debut, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The news comes after rookie Japanese sensation Munetaka Murakami suffered a hamstring strain on Friday night, forcing him to leave the game. White Sox manager Will Venable said that the injury will likely keep Murakami out for at least two weeks, meaning an IL stint is likely.
Report: White Sox Calling Up Jacob Gonzalez
Gonzalez, who turns 24 on Saturday, is currently the No. 23 prospect in the White Sox system, per MLB Pipeline. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Ole Miss, winning a College World Series title with the Rebels in 2022. At 6′ 2″ and 205 lbs, Gonzalez bats left-handed and throws right-handed. Primarily a shortstop, he has also seen time at second base. He is on fire at Triple-A Charlotte this season, slashing .308/.414/.646 with 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 51 games. Those 18 homers alone account for over half of his career minor league total of 35.
The Chicago White Sox are calling up infielder Jacob Gonzalez, sources tell ESPN. With Munetaka Murakami facing a multi-week absence due to a hamstring injury, the White Sox summon one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues, batting .308/.414/.646 with 18 homers in 51 games.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 30, 2026
Murakami Hurt
Murakami suffered a hamstring injury while running out a ground ball in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers. While he beat out the throw to avoid a double play, he grabbed at his thigh and grimaced on the way back to first base, leading the training staff to come out and decide to pull him from the game.
Will Venable shared that Munetaka Murakami will miss a couple weeks with a hamstring strain: pic.twitter.com/3RKMs8LKYT
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) May 30, 2026
The 26-year-old first baseman has burst onto the scene with the South Siders, slashing .242/.381/.566 while also slugging 20 home runs to lead the American League. His 41 RBI also lead the Junior Circuit. While the initial prognosis is a two-week timeline, Chicago will likely exercise some caution as Murakami rehabs his injury, as a strain can easily be re-aggravated. Since he’s provided such a power surge and contributed to a winning record for the White Sox, who’ve been basement dwellers for the last few years, there’s no such thing as too careful.
Main Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
