After a slow start, the Boston Red Sox have worked their way into the playoff picture. And, while the Red Sox did not go all out before the trade deadline, the expected return of Liam Hendriks could result in a significant bullpen upgrade.
Hendriks advanced in his rehabilitation by participating in his second live batting practice session today, according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey on X. And he surely has the support of his team. After getting a hitter to pop up, he rushed to make the grab in foul area, prompting a big applause from the Red Sox players in attendance.
Hendriks tossed 20 pitches in today’s live BP, including a few curveballs. He intends to throw a third session on Tuesday or Wednesday, and if all goes well, he may be sent to rehab, according to McCaffrey.
Hendriks has had a long road back. The three-time All-Star had previously been one of baseball’s top relievers for the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox. He won consecutive Reliever of the Year accolades in 2020 and 2021, totaling 75 saves in his first two seasons with the White Sox.
However, in January 2023, Hendriks received a devastating diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He began the season on the disabled list, getting therapy. Hendriks declared in April that he was cancer-free, and the 13-year veteran made his season debut on May 29. Unfortunately, Hendriks was only able to pitch five innings for Chicago last year before requiring Tommy John surgery and missing the remainder of the season.
He became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Red Sox. He has yet to make his debut with his new team, but he appears to be close to returning.
The Red Sox believe that Liam Hendriks can bolster their bullpen.
August 6, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) warms up before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Hendriks has the support of not only Red Sox players and coaches, but also his wife, who noted the pitcher’s foot was in a different position during his most recent live batting practice, according to McCaffrey on X. The pitcher felt better after making the necessary adjustments for today’s session.
The Red Sox would clearly like to add Hendriks to their bullpen. While Boston closer Kenley Jansen has been superb this season, despite his desire to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Red Sox relievers rank 20th or lower in holds, strikeouts, strikeout percentage, batting average against, and WHIP, and 19th in ERA and WPA.
In 2022, Hendriks had a 2.81 ERA, a 1.040 WHIP, 37 saves, an ERA+ of 142, and 85 strikeouts in 57.2 innings for the White Sox, while also making his third career All-Star appearance. It was the 35-year-old hurler’s final full season in the majors, and it’s unclear how dominant Hendriks will be once he returns. Even if he has lost a stride, Hendriks can still aid the Red Sox in their playoff drive and possibly in the postseason.
