It has been a rough season for the Chicago White Sox, sitting at just 22-33 on the season. They did however receive a fantastic update on star closer Liam Hendriks.
Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma back in January but has made tremendous progress in his attempt to return for the White Sox.
He has made six appearances for the White Sox Triple-A affiliate as he attempts to get back into baseball shape. It seems like he is now finally ready to make his MLB return.
Reports emerged on Sunday that Hendriks is expected to return to the active roster for the White Sox ahead of Monday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.
Wonderful story: Liam Hendriks, who battled Stage 4 lymphoma, is expected to be activated tomorrow
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 28, 2023
The White Sox all but confirmed this with a social media post congratulating Hendriks for his unbelievable journey to return to baseball so quickly.
Your journey is an inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud.
Welcome back, Liam Hendriks! pic.twitter.com/fbQ6jwJsks
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 28, 2023
The video featured a number of touching messages from teammates and coaches alike, all letting him know how excited and happy they are to have him back.
It is obviously incredible that Hendriks is able to return to baseball at all after such a horrible diagnosis. For the White Sox, he will be a welcome sight to a pitching staff that has struggled mightily this season. Their team ERA of 4.83 ranks as the fifth worst in all of baseball.
Hendriks has proven over the years that at his best he is among the best relievers in the league. He has been named an All-Star in every season since joining the team in 2021.
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.