'Good news for the first issue of Ryu Joong-il'There is a possibility that the Japanese home run king will not be able to attend the Premier 12 with a broken toe ↑
Oct 07, 2024
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Murakami Munetaka, a member of the Yakult Swallows in the Japanese professional baseball (NPB), suffered a foot injury during a game against the Hiroshima Toyokaf on the 5th. Murakami was diagnosed with a right thumb fracture after undergoing a thorough examination at a hospital in downtown Hiroshima, according to Japanese media reports, including the Kyodo News Agency.
The Yakult club said it will take about two to three months for Murakami to return to action.
It's all the more regrettable because it was an injury suffered on the end of the regular season. Yakult, Murakami's team, is in fifth place in the Central League and has failed to advance to the postseason.
Initially, the Japanese national team was going to put Murakami ahead as one of the key hitters for 'Premier 12' to be held next month. Murakami had 33 home runs and 86 RBIs in 143 games this season, ranking first in home runs and first in RBIs in the Central League. Along with Hotaka Yamakawa (Softbank), the Pacific League's home run king, he is currently a home run hitter representing the league. He is also the next No. 4 hitter for the national team, which has been cherished in Japan, where pitching hitters have become extremely severe and long hitters have become more valuable.
However, in reality, Murakami's participation in 'Premier 12' does not seem easy. In a joint interview with local reporters after the end of the regular season, Murakami said "I'm not giving up yet. I want to work hard for Japan, so I want to do as much as I can to treat it"If the injury recovers quickly, he is expressing his desire to participate in the competition. However, there is no need to force yourself out.
In addition, Murakami set one more goal for next season. Murakami said, `I am thinking of nothing but the team's victory next year"I still think the following year is the last season to play in Japan. First of all, I want to try to win the championship together for the fans. I want to dedicate myself to the team rather than to win three of my batting titles"I'm determined.
However, the reason that next year is the last season to play in Japan seems to be because after the 2025 season, they will be eligible for Major League posting with the consent of the club. Murakami's possibility of entering the Major League has been mentioned, and he expressed his intention to try to challenge with the club on a bigger stage after the next season.
youll@sportschosun.com
