The Chicago White Sox have been without their All-Star closer in Liam Hendriks for the better part of this season.
Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma back in January and was set to miss some time.
However, the veteran right-hander will soon be back in action.
On Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN revealed an important update on the veteran closer.
Passan revealed that he had the chance to speak with Hendriks on Thursday.
The White Sox closer is now headed for Chicago and is set to throw a live batting practice session.
Passan noted that should the session go well, the veteran right-hander will be back in action soon.
Spoke with White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, who is headed to Chicago this week following a AAA rehab less than six months after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Plan is for him to throw live BP on Friday and, should it go well, he'll pitch in the big leagues soon thereafter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 18, 2023
This is a promising update for Hendriks and the White Sox.
The South Siders have struggled mightily to start the season.
They have found themselves towards the bottom of the AL Central with a record of 16-29.
Chicago is 8.5 games out of first place and 9.5 games back in the Wild Card race.
But with plenty of season still yet to be played, the team could ultimately receive a boost in morale from Hendriks’ return.
Hendriks has certainly fought through a lot over the past several months during his cancer treatment.
However, the right-hander is now cancer free and may soon make his 2023 debut, which could help the White Sox as they look to rebound from their miserable start to the season.
Last season, the White Sox finished 81-81 and fell short of the postseason after two consecutive years in October.
Hendriks will look to help the White Sox turn things around.
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