White Sox closer Liam Hendriks on Thursday delivered some great news for Chicago, something that has been in short supply for the franchise in the month of April.
Hendriks, who in January was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, announced via Instagram that he is in remission after undergoing months of cancer treatment. His post showed progressive updates throughout his treatment, from Day 1 through his last round of chemotherapy.
"How it started vs. how it's going," Hendriks' captioned his post. "REMISSION. It's official. I'm cancer free."
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Hendriks, 34, has earned All-Star status in three of the last four seasons and was named AL Reliever of the Year in 2020 and 2021 (the latter of which he led the AL with 38 saves). He is coming off a season in which he posted a 2.81 ERA, 85 strikeouts and 37 saves in 57 2/3 innings pitched.
With their normal closer out, the White Sox — 6-11 in the month of April — have gone with former starter Reynaldo Lopez, who so far this season has a 6.23 ERA, three saves and 15 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings pitched. Hendriks' remission doesn't mean he will be available to return immediately, as he will need time to work himself back into game shape and get in some minor league innings after that.
That said, it's certainly a positive step for the White Sox and, more importantly, Hendriks' health.