The Chicago White Sox have defied all odds and have a chance to make the postseason this year, after losing 102 games last season.
The arrival of Munetaka Murakami in the offseason, paired with some young stars breaking out, has set the White Sox up to actually be playing baseball in October. Murakami was an All-Star this season and has 31 home runs this year. However, since Aug. 1, he has been hitting poorly, and the White Sox are just 17-19 in that stretch.
Murakami had a .935 OPS coming into the month of August. His batting average left much to be desired, but that's just the type of player he is. He strikes out a ton and does not rack up hits. However, he has tremendous power. Since Aug. 1, he is hitting .142 with a .617 OPS. He has been a major factor in the White Sox's offense all year, and it seems like until he gets going again, the White Sox are going to struggle to stack wins.
The White Sox have a two-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. The Guardians have a hold of the final wild card spot right now and the White Sox are the No. 2 seed. However, if the Guardians win the division, the White Sox could miss the postseason altogether.
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are the other two wild card teams, but have better records than the White Sox. The White Sox would drop to the No. 6 seed if they lost the division and would have to beat out the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles for the final spot in the postseason.
What the White Sox have done this season is remarkable, but they are limping to the finish line. They need Murakami to start hitting again to help the offense.