Bullpen implosions aren't making things easier for the White Sox

You can't talk about the Chicago White Sox long without mentioning what Munetaka Murakami is doing for them. He has surely shown his worth, mashing home runs left and right in his first year in MLB. 

The Japanese slugger has played in 22 games so far, hitting .208/.376/.542 with eight home runs and 16 runs batted in. He has also had a sharp eye at the plate, being walked 20 times so far. 

However, he has been nearly the only source of offense. And the pitching staff has not been all that helpful, especially in high-leverage situations. 

MORE: Munetaka Murakami 'concerns' turned into $34 million White Sox bargain

Bullpen implosions aren't making things easier for the White Sox

The bullpen was thought to be improved after signing names like Seranthony Dominguez, Jordan Hicks, and Sean Newcomb, but that has not been the case. 

The White Sox have combined for a 4.83 ERA, and according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, the team has more blown saves than saves this season. 

"Despite a .209 average and 33.3 percent strikeout rate, Munetaka Murakami sports a .376 on-base percentage, .918 OPS and he is tied for third in the majors with eight home runs. Three different relievers had blown saves last week, and they now have more blown saves (8) than saves (6) on the year."

The White Sox cannot afford to lose games in the ninth inning, not with the lack of star power they have. That is a reason for their woeful 8-14 start to the season, which has them one game above the Kansas City Royals, who sit at the bottom of the AL Central.

However, if fans are looking for a positive takeaway, it might not be long before the club is forced to call up their No. 1 prospect, Braden Montgomery, who is currently hitting .358 with four home runs and 14 runs batted in in Double-A.

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