White Sox activate Liam Hendriks after cancer battle, expected to return Monday

Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, who has been out to start the year while being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is officially returning to the roster and is set to play soon. According to MLB.com:

“In one of the most inspirational stories of the 2023 season, Liam Hendriks will be returning to the White Sox following his successful battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the club announced in a welcome back video on Sunday. Hendriks is expected to be activated on Monday ahead of the team’s series with the Angels.”

Now, the ace reliever will finally make his return to the mound — and the latest update from manager Pedro Grifol this week suggests he’ll be throwing during live action in the very near future:

“(Hendriks) threw the ball good yesterday and we’re discussing as an organization to see when he’s going to be activated,” reported Grifol on Wednesday. “He feels great, especially after yesterday. He threw the ball really good yesterday.”

Hendriks first announced he was being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early January and posted positives updates on social media throughout his recovery process, including this positive message after he completed his treatment in April:

“These past 5 months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done. I cannot thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. No words can express the gratitude I have for them saving my life.

“To my wife: You came to every single appointment. You held my hand every step of the way. You were my voice of confidence and always made sure I felt loved and safe throughout it all. I love you.

“To family, friends and fans: Your support kept me going. You kept me in the right frame of mind to beat this. Your encouragement made a bigger difference than you will ever know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.“

An incredible story for Liam Hendriks, and great for White Sox fans. Hendriks may be creeping into his mid-30s, but he put together two peak seasons as a closer in 2021 and 2022, earning his second and third All-Star appearances while leading the league in saves with 38 in ’21, then dropping just a smidge to 37 of them last summer.

He’s one of the game’s top closers at the moment and he is finally gearing up for a return.