Liam Hendriks Returns to MLB After 680-Day Absence
Liam Hendriks is finally back in the big leagues.
The Boston Red Sox activated the three-time All-Star closer on Saturday, ending his nearly two-year absence from major league baseball.
“680 days. Felt like more than 1000,” Hendriks said about his long-awaited return.
The 36-year-old reliever last pitched in an MLB game on June 9, 2023, with the Chicago White Sox before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August of that year. His comeback was further delayed by elbow inflammation this spring, which required a cortisone shot.
But now he’s ready to go.
During his minor-league rehab assignment, Hendriks looked sharp. He struck out five batters and allowed just one hit across three scoreless innings. His fastball averaged a solid 94.1 mph.
Before his injury, Hendriks was absolutely dominant. From 2019-23, he was one of baseball’s elite relievers, posting a 2.26 ERA while racking up 350 strikeouts in 239 innings.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora will likely ease him back into action at first. The team already has Aroldis Chapman handling closing duties, with Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock setting up.
Hendriks joins a middle relief corps that includes Brennan Bernardino, Zack Kelly, Greg Weissert, and Justin Wilson, with Josh Winckowski handling long relief duties.
The Red Sox took a calculated gamble on Hendriks, signing him to a two-year, $10 million contract last offseason. They paid $2 million for him to rehab last year, betting he’d contribute this season.
It’s actually a strategy Boston seems to like. They recently signed lefty Patrick Sandoval to a similar two-year deal worth $18.25 million. He’ll spend 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery before pitching in 2026.
The Red Sox have won three straight games and sit at 11-10 in the early going. Their bullpen currently ranks 18th in baseball with a 3.93 ERA.
Hendriks’ return could be just what they need to climb those rankings.
