Liam Hendriks continues to impress as he works his way back from cancer treatment.
The White Sox closer made another key step on Friday, throwing in extended Spring Training in Arizona. The team tweeted a video from their official account on Friday night, which shows Hendriks striking out four batters and looking like his normal self.
The three-time All-Star reliever was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on January 9 and began chemotherapy the following day. After fighting for months while still working out with the team in Arizona, Hendriks announced on Instagram that he was cancer-free and in remission just over a week ago. He is scheduled to visit with the White Sox during the upcoming week and is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment as early as next weekend.
Hendriks, an important player for the White Sox both on and off the field, was not placed on the 60-day IL to begin the season, which general manager Rick Hahn said was intentional. Hendriks is known for his warrior mentality, and many teammates have come out and expressed their confidence in his ability to beat cancer and make it back onto the field. His four-strikeout outing in Arizona is just the latest example of this as he appears to be on track to join the team by June.
Outside of his on-field accomplishments, Hendriks has been a leader in the clubhouse and in the Chicago community. Hendriks’ South Slydah Society is the most well-known way, however, he and his family have been outspoken supporters of the LGTBQ+ community and have spoken out against gun violence in Chicago. He has also partnered with organizations focused on animal welfare, including Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, One Tail at a Time, Fetching Tails Foundation, Mission K-9, the Petco Foundation, and the Rescue Me Thursday campaign.
Getting him back in the dugout will be an incredible lift for the team and fanbase as well.
As we learn more about Hendriks’ rehab, we will share further updates. Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!
Featured Photo: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
