Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The past two years have been an emotional journey for Liam Hendriks, and he is finally ready to rise to the occasion once more.
Recently, the former standout pitcher has been activated off the injured list, marking a significant milestone as he completes his long rehabilitation process following Tommy John surgery.
Hendriks, an Australian native, underwent surgery in the summer of 2023. Although there is never a good time for an injury, it seemed that luck was particularly elusive for him during this period.
Earlier that year, his return to the field was delayed while he bravely faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After several challenges, he made his return on May 29, but his momentum was short-lived as he appeared in only five games before needing the surgery. This procedure forced him to miss the remainder of the season and all of the following year.
Now signed with the Boston Red Sox, Hendriks is set to make his eagerly awaited comeback to the mound.
Struggles and Setbacks
Despite appearing in spring training, Hendriks faced arm soreness that initially kept him on the injured list at the start of the new season. He made an attempt to return last year but suffered setbacks that delayed his comeback further.
Impressive Pre-Injury Career
Before his recent health issues, Hendriks established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s elite closers. In 2021, he led the league with an impressive 38 saves while playing for the Chicago White Sox. This accomplishment solidified his reputation within the sport.
He was recognized for his talent and hard work, earning All-Star selections for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, excluding 2020 when the All-Star Game was not held.
Career Statistics
Throughout his career, Hendriks has maintained a lifetime earned run average of 3.82. However, this number reflects his earlier struggles. From his rookie year in 2011 until 2014, he faced significant challenges as a starter and posted a difficult 5.92 ERA.
A turning point in Hendriks’ career came when he transitioned to a full-time reliever role with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015. From that point, his performance drastically improved, as evidenced by a standout 2.92 ERA across 54 relief appearances.
Over the next eight seasons, serving with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox, he continued to build on that success. He showcased consistent performance, recording a commendable 2.97 ERA, proving that his impressive 2015 season was no mere coincidence.
A New Chapter with the Red Sox
As he steps back onto the field with the Red Sox, Hendriks embodies resilience and determination. His journey not only highlights his tenacity as an athlete but also serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity.
The Boston Red Sox have been bolstered by his return, as they look forward to his contributions on the mound. Hendriks’ experience as a successful closer will undoubtedly add depth to the team as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season.
Final Thoughts
With his return, Liam Hendriks hopes to make a significant impact and reclaim his place among the top pitchers in the league. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans and teammates alike will be watching eagerly to see how he evolves after such a challenging period in his career.
Through perseverance, Hendriks showcases that even the toughest obstacles can be overcome, and his story is a testament to the power of hope and determination in the world of sports.
