


Liam Hendriks’ incredible comeback story has hit another bump.
The Chicago White Sox closer underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday that could keep him out of action until 2025.
Hendriks, 34, was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December, began his treatment in January and announced he was cancer-free in April before making a miraculous return to an MLB mound on May 30.
But just two weeks later, Hendriks was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation after posting a 2-0 record over five games with a 5.40 ERA and a save.
The right-hander said at the time that he believes his chemotherapy treatments may have played a role in his injury.
“I think the potential of the chemo still being in my system and not kind of letting me recover as well as I would have hoped — I think that has some merit to it,” Hendriks said.
Hendriks told ESPN in June that he had been in “constant pain every time [he] picked up a ball and threw it.”
The typical recovery time for Tommy John surgery, which is referred to in the medical field as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is roughly 12-14 months.
The White Sox have a $15 million club option on Hendriks for the 2024 season.
He would become a free agent if the team declines.
Hendriks was honored at the ESPY Awards in July with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Hendriks has spent 13 seasons in the big leagues with the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and White Sox.
He’s made the MLB All-Star team three times and recorded 114 saves throughout his career.