According to Chris Cotillo, Liam Hendriks has not yet received his redemption. He’ll be starting the season back on the IL for the third time in 2 years, this time on the 15-day IL for elbow inflammation. Cooper Criswell, a man who lost his position to Brennan Bernardino for the last roster spot, will be called up in his place. As for Liam Hendriks, it is very unfortunate for him because he’s had a long and brutal road.
His Story
As for Hendriks’ career, it’s been a great story. He was called up as a Minnesota Twin way back in 2011 as a starter, and like most closer-success stories, he didn’t do too well. He had an ERA of 5.92 in the four seasons he was a starter. In that last season, 2014, he was part of three teams. He was claimed off waivers by the Cubs, the Orioles, and the Blue Jays. However, Liam Hendriks and Erik Kratz were traded to Kansas City in the middle of the 2014 season. Then, he had his second tenure in Toronto when he was traded back there in the offseason. When he joined Toronto, he was turned into a reliever. His next four seasons were better but still rough.
Breakthrough & Cancer Diagnosis
Liam Hendriks was later traded to the Athletics, where he truly shined. He broke out in 2019, with 25 saves, a 1.80 ERA, along with striking out 124. He continued his pace, winning two Closer of the Year Awards, and signed with the White Sox. In 2021, he led the league in saves with 38, with a career-high 14.3 K/9. After having great 2021 & 2022 seasons and an ALDS appearance, things started going downhill for him once 2023 started. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a blood cancer. He was placed on the 60-day IL. Gratefully, he recovered… and he recovered in just five months, returning in May of that season. While that season wasn’t the best, it was to be expected. He posted a 5.33 ERA with a HR/9 of 1.8, the second-highest in his career behind his career-worst season in 2013.
Tommy John Surgery & Recovery
Things got worse for him as he suffered a torn ulnar ligament in his right elbow. This means he needed to get Tommy John surgery, and he was placed on the 60-day IL. He would be out until the end of the 2024 season. Speaking of 2024, he was a free agent and signed with the Red Sox for a 2-year deal worth $10 million. While Liam Hendriks was obviously on the 60-day IL for the Red Sox as well, this next season was supposed to be his redemption tour. But now, that won’t be the case, as Boston fans and every other fan he’s gained over the years will have to wait just a little bit longer.
Craig Breslow stated that he “wasn’t bouncing back the way he had hoped,” believing that he would be back “very quickly.” This is good news to hear, but as of right now, it’s just speculation. We will see what happens going forward from this point, so expect some updates soon.
Main Photo Credits: William Purnell-Imagn Images
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