Liam Hendriks has been on quite the journey these past couple of years, but he’s finally making his way back to the mound. After almost two years away from pitching, he’s coming off the injured list, having completed his Tommy John rehab. The Aussie had to undergo surgery in the summer of 2023, a tough break that seemed to hit at the worst possible time for him.
Hendriks was set to start the 2023 season but faced another hurdle when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. His season debut was delayed until May 29, yet he only managed to play in five games before surgery sidelined him again. This operation meant he had to sit out for the remainder of the season and the entire following year.
Now with the Boston Red Sox, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the pitcher’s mound. His brief appearance in spring training was cut short due to arm soreness, leading to a stint on the IL. Last year’s attempt at a comeback was thwarted by another setback, keeping him out of action longer than anticipated.
Before these challenges, Hendriks had established himself as one of baseball’s top closers. In 2021, he led the majors with 38 saves while playing for the Chicago White Sox. His impressive performances earned him spots in three consecutive All-Star Games from 2019 through 2022.
Hendriks boasts a career ERA of 3.82, though this figure is somewhat skewed by his early struggles as a starting pitcher. From his debut in 2011 until 2014, he had a rough time, recording a 5.92 ERA. However, a change in role to a full-time reliever in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays marked a turning point.
As a reliever, Hendriks’ ERA dropped significantly to 2.92 over 54 appearances, solidifying his place in the bullpen. His success wasn’t just a one-off; over the next eight seasons with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox, he maintained an ERA of 2.97. His consistent performance proved his capabilities as a reliable closer.
The hope now is that Hendriks can return to his pre-injury form and contribute significantly to the Red Sox’s bullpen. Fans are optimistic, especially given his track record and determination to overcome adversity. Hendriks’ resilience and talent make him a player to watch as he steps back onto the field.
