CLEVELAND — Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment Tuesday with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights and could return to the major league lineup later this week, manager Will Venable said Sunday.

Murakami, who has been sidelined for nearly five weeks due to a strained right hamstring, took part in running drills Saturday and was scheduled for additional work Sunday, although rain likely prevented him from running on the field. Following his progress, all indications suggest he will start his rehab stint as planned.

Initially reported to have run bases on Friday, Venable clarified that Murakami's first base-running session occurred Saturday, with Sunday planned for further running activities. If Murakami recovers well from Sunday’s workout, he is expected to travel Monday to Charlotte and appear in the Knights’ lineup for their game against Nashville on Tuesday.

After completing a couple of rehab games, Murakami could rejoin the White Sox on their home stand as early as Friday, which would mark exactly six weeks since the injury was sustained. Venable emphasized the team’s cautious approach, noting that while a week’s worth of rehab games is scheduled, playing every game is not guaranteed. "We want to be really mindful of the injury, the significance of it and the build-up," he said. "It’s day-to-day, but I would assume a couple of games at least."

Since Murakami was placed on the injured list on May 30, a day after the hamstring injury occurred, the White Sox have maintained a solid record, going 17-15 in his absence. When he left the lineup, Chicago was 30-27 and three games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. The White Sox have since improved to 47-42 and currently lead the division by one game over Cleveland.

Murakami entered the injury period as one of the American League’s top offensive performers, leading in runs scored (43) and tied for first in both home runs and RBIs (41). He also ranked highly in OPS (.947), slugging percentage (.566), and walks (44).

Venable underscored the player’s importance to the team, not only for his on-field production but also for his presence in the clubhouse. “We need him back, obviously, on the field, but just his presence,” said the manager. “It just means so much to have him in the lineup.”

Murakami’s return will create roster decisions for the White Sox, particularly concerning first base. Jacob Gonzalez has filled in at the position and has hit well recently, batting .406 with one home run and 12 RBIs over his last nine games prior to Sunday. Overall, Gonzalez excelled with runners in scoring position, posting a .471 average and 14 RBIs.

To accommodate Murakami’s return, the team may opt to send outfielder Junior Perez back to Charlotte. Perez has struggled offensively since his promotion on June 18, registering only four hits in 21 at-bats despite hitting two home runs. If Gonzalez remains on the roster, the White Sox may need to use his defensive versatility—he has experience at shortstop and second base in the minors—to find a suitable position for him.

“We’ll see when we get there,” Venable said. “We’ll talk with [general manager Chris Getz] and think it through. It will be a tough decision, but that’s a good problem to have.”