Hendriks' impending return from cancer gives White Sox hope, inspiration
When he's met with the media the past few seasons, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn generally has started with a lengthy list of injury updates.
Friday was no different - with one exception.
Hahn said injured shortstop Tim Anderson (sprained left knee) is closer to being back in two weeks rather than four. He's been out since April 10.
The GM said injured third baseman Yoan Moncada (back) could be ready to return on Friday when the Sox begin a road trip at Tampa Bay.
As for injured relievers, Hahn said Joe Kelly (groin) is "progressing nicely" and Garrett Crochet (Tommy John surgery) is "hitting every milestone" as he eyes a May return after missing all of last season.
Liam Hendriks was the final name on the White Sox's injured list, and that's where Hahn hit the brakes on a firm update.
The all-star closer had some arm issues last season, which were fair game for discussion.
This year, Hendriks has yet to even throw a bullpen as he's dealt with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. That is far different from a strained hamstring or sore elbow.
"Look, you get caught up in the competitiveness," Hahn said. "You get caught up in the slow start or injuries. You can always find something to be a little frustrated and disappointed about in this game, if you let it. But with Liam, he's helped all of us sort of take a broader view about what's important on a day-to-day basis."
Not only is he one of the best relief pitchers in the game - Hendriks leads MLB in saves (114) and strikeouts (357) and is second in ERA (2.20) since 2019 - he is a consummate leader in the clubhouse.
Hendriks has not spoken to the media since he started chemotherapy treatments in early January. The 34-year-old Australian has posted updates on his Instagram account and was thrilled to report he had his last round of chemo on April 5.
There seems to be a pretty good chance Hendriks is back in the Sox's bullpen in late May or early June, but Hahn is understandably declining to lay out any return dates.
"I don't want to get ahead of ourselves," Hahn said. "He's made remarkable progress. And should I be surprised, in knowing Liam? No, I guess. He's probably more suited to fight anything than just about any person I know in terms of focus and work ethic and positive energy and positive approach to things.
"We've seen him not lose an ounce of his competitiveness, whether it's been a battle against cancer or his battle to get back to his previous form and rejoin us. I think he's been able to provide us all with a healthy dose of perspective as well as a lot of inspiration. Looking forward to having him back."
When Hendriks does come back, the White Sox instantly become a better team.
New manager Pedro Grifol has had a rough go getting the right relievers into the right spots so far, but not having an arm the caliber of Hendriks to call on would trouble any manager.
Assuming he comes back as the dominant closer he is - don't put anything past Hendriks - much of the intense pressure is off Reynaldo Lopez, Jimmy Lambert and other Sox relievers.
Again, Hahn is practicing patience.
"We aren't there yet," he said. "He still has some medical hurdles to clear and then we get to some baseball hurdles to clear. But the fact that we are even entertaining this conversation is remarkable and a great testament to him and the fine doctors who helped get him there."