The Chicago White Sox survived six weeks without star slugger Munetaka Murakami, but now he is returning at a most opportune time.The White Sox activated Murakami off the 10-day injured list Friday morning after his 35-game absence because of a strained right hamstring.The Sox went 17-18 without Murakami, who was among the American League leaders in home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, walks and runs when he went on the IL on May 30.During his absence, the Sox gained ground on Cleveland in the AL Central, going from three games back to a tie atop the division. But after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians in Cleveland, the White Sox were swept at home by the Boston Red Sox this week. Chicago scored only two runs and failed to pick up an extra-base hit in three games. So they could probably use one of their best power hitters this weekend.Murakami’s return highlights a packed weekend on the South Side. To close out the first half, the Sox host the Athletics for a three-game series, which features Friday’s sold-out game for Mexican Heritage Night and a Saturday afternoon game preceded by the team picking No. 1 in the MLB Draft. That will be followed by an alumni home run derby headlined by José Canseco.