White Sox climb up power rankings just in time for a big bopper to return

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The Chicago White Sox have been one of the most fun teams to watch this season. They came out of seemingly nowhere this year, putting tons of pressure on the other teams in the American League Central.

One of the reasons for the success this year comes down to the acquisition of Munetaka Murakami. He was on fire to start his career in the big leagues, but would ultimately hit the IL on May 30th with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

However, he is getting ready to begin his minor league rehab assignment. He will be with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights starting on Monday and will likely stay with them for a few games before returning to the big league club sometime later this week or after the All-Star break.

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White Sox climb up power rankings just in time for a big bopper to return

The White Sox were tested last week. They took on the Baltimore Orioles on the road before playing their division rivals, the Cleveland Guardians on the road.

Here, the South Siders were able to win the series against the Orioles 2-1, but they split the series against the Guardians 2-2, making for a 4-3 week.

With this, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller bumps the team up one spot from no. 9 to No. 8 in this week's power rankings.

"Colson Montgomery hit his 22nd home run on Saturday and his team-leading 23rd on Sunday. On Monday, Munetaka Murakami will begin a rehab assignment. Big stretch of three days for two of those biggest snubs from the initial All-Star rosters. Those two and Miguel Vargas make the White Sox the only team thus far with three players with at least 20 home runs."

This team has been able to keep things afloat without their big bopper; now this team could be on another level once Murakami returns.

Watch out for the White Sox after the upcoming All-Star break.