Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks says he's starting last round of chemotherapy
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks had some good news to share with fans on the team's home opening day.
"Just wanted to let you know I'm starting my last round of chemo today," he said Monday in a video message posted to the team's Twitter page. He was wearing a team cap and "Close out Cancer" shirt with his number, 31, making up the E and R. "So I'll see you guys on the South Side soon."
Hendriks, 34, revealed in January that he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was going to start treatment.
"I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life," he said at the time.
According to the Associated Press, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn does not have a timeline for Hendriks' return, but has kept him and and fellow pitcher Garrett Crochet, who is recovering from left elbow surgery, on the 15-day-injured list instead of the 60-day timetable.
“We are headed the right away and currently have a very real chance of having them both back prior to 60 days into the year,” he said.
The White Sox lost 12-3 to the San Francisco Giants in their first game at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Hendriks, who is entering his 13th season, was third in Major League Baseball with 37 saves last year after leading the league with 38 in 2021, his first year with the team. The Perth, Australia native has been named an All-Star in both seasons with the White Sox and had his first selection in 2019 when he was with the Oakland Athletics and tossed 124 strikeouts.