Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, ending his 2023 season. Hendriks made just five appearances for the team, earning one save.
Hendriks returned to the majors in late May just four months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, one of the most common types of cancer. He received a standing ovation from White Sox fans in his first appearance against the Los Angeles Angels.
“These past 5 months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life,” Hendriks said in a post on Instagram after he was diagnosed cancer-free. “Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done. I cannot thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. No words can express the gratitude I have for them saving my life.”
Hendriks could not contribute to the White Sox bullpen for long as he went to the injured list in June with arm pain. His fastball lacked its usual velocity, a clear sign of significant strain. At age 34, it is likely that Chicago will extend Hendriks, making him a free agent at the end of the season.
Since his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2011, Hendriks became an increasingly reliable reliever, first on the Blue Jays and then the Athletics. In 2019, he became Oakland’s closer, earned 25 saves and made it to his first All-Star Game. He received the honor two more times with the White Sox in 2021 and 2022, when he earned 38 and 37 saves, respectively.
It is unlikely that Hendriks could have guided the White Sox, now 43-67, to the postseason singlehandedly, but his unceremonious exit is yet another hit to morale for the struggling franchise. Though it’s certainly possible that Hendriks lands on a team in 2024, he ends his 13th season in MLB with 116 career saves and a 3.82 ERA.
