White Sox closer Hendriks has Tommy John surgery, will miss 12-14 months
After battling Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and announcing he was cancer-free on April 20, Liam Hendriks was back in the White Sox's bullpen in late May.
The inspirational all-star closer pitched in 5 games and was rounding back into form before being placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation.
On Wednesday, the Sox announced the 34-year-old Hendriks underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in a procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister at TMI Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington, Texas.
"There was pain and it was like, 'Enough of the pain, let's go get it,'" White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters.
Recovery time for Hendriks is expected to take approximately 12-14 months.
Hendriks was 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA and 1 save this season.
He led the American League with 38 saves in 2021 and was second in the league last year with 37 saves.
Hendriks is likely to miss all of next season recovering from the Tommy John surgery. He has a $15 million club option for 2024 and a $15 million buyout.
If the Sox opt for the buyout, which appears likely, Hendriks will be paid $15 million in equal installments between 2024-33.