Earlier this season, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks made his triumphant return after battling cancer.
He was diagnosed in January and spent the months following recovering.
The veteran right-hander returned in late May, but didn’t get much time on the mound before suffering an elbow injury.
Hendriks had a torn UCL in his right elbow, which typically requires Tommy John surgery.
The 34-year-old appeared in just five games this season.
On Twitter, Bob Nightengale revealed a major update on the two-time American League Reliever of the Year, that he had undergone successful Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
Chicago #WhiteSox closer Liam Hendriks, who battled cancer and won, now has undergone Tommy John surgery that will sideline him until 2025.
He has a $15 million club option for 2024 with a $15 million buyout that will be deferred through 2033.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 2, 2023
This will ultimately keep Hendriks sidelined until the 2025 season.
It’s an unfortunate situation, as Hendriks worked so hard to recover from cancer and make his return to the mound.
However, he only appeared in five games before injuring his elbow.
Now, he’ll be out for the rest of the 2023 season and all of 2024.
He has a $15 million club option for the 2024 season, as Nightengale notes.
The veteran right-hander also has a $15 million buyout that will be deferred through 2033.
Hendriks saved 37 games last season and posted an ERA of 2.81 before being diagnosed with cancer.
It’s been a season to forget for the White Sox, who stumbled out of the gates and now own a record of 43-66, which is the third worst in the American League.
Now, matters are worse with Hendriks out for the season.
But Hendriks fought through cancer and worked his way back and should not be counted out as he embarks on his rehab journey.
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