The Chicago White Sox have had a noticeable absence in their bullpen this season due to the unfortunate cancer diagnosis of star closer Liam Hendriks. However, some fantastic news emerged that suggests he could potentially return to the field this season.
Hendriks first revealed the diagnosis back in January, which put both his long-term health and his MLB future into question.
In March, White Sox manager Rick Hahn revealed that Hendriks was “making good progress” in his treatment while battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But even he was likely shocked by Hendriks’ amazing update on Thursday.
Hendriks took to social media on Thursday, revealing on his Instagram page that he is officially in remission and cancer free.
Many around the MLB world took notice of this announcement and shared their excitement and relief about this fantastic news.
Liam Hendriks announced on his Instagram that he is officially Cancer Free
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 20, 2023
Liam Hendriks announced he is cancer free.💚
We couldn't be happier for you and your family!
(📷: hendriks_31 on IG) pic.twitter.com/cPCQ5YzFB9
— MLB (@MLB) April 20, 2023
Liam Hendriks is in remission and cancer free, per his Instagram account 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Jcx7xWLUYS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 20, 2023
Liam Hendriks has announced that he is officially cancer free 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5oEuTi5osX
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 20, 2023
Liam Hendriks is cancer free. 💚
We’re so happy for you, Liam and Kristi! pic.twitter.com/8wlOP5SwL0
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/PlayoffTanaka_/status/1649175231934742531
It is still unclear if Hendriks will be able to return to the field this season. That being said, it is a terrific sign for Hendriks’ health, as well as the White Sox.
Liam Hendricks has been among baseball’s best relievers in recent years, making All-Star appearances each of the last two seasons in Chicago. He most recently finished the 2022 season with a 2.81 ERA with 37 saves on the year.
Baseball is obviously secondary when it comes to battling with such a horrible diagnosis like Hendriks was dealt. Now that his bout with cancer is miraculously over, he can hopefully return to some normalcy and entertain baseball fans once again from the mound.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.