Liam Hendriks Returns to Minnesota: A Story of Resilience and Reinvention
Veteran pitcher Liam Hendriks, 37, is embarking on a new chapter with the Minnesota Twins, the team where his Major League Baseball journey began. The Australian native has agreed to a minor league contract with the Twins, offering him a chance to return to the sizeable leagues after battling and overcoming non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
From Dominance to Diagnosis: Hendriks’ Recent Journey
Hendriks was a dominant force in MLB from 2019 to 2022, leading all American League relief pitchers with a fWAR (FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement) of 9.5. During this period, he was a three-time All-Star and established himself as one of the league’s premier closers. However, in January 2023, he received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, forcing him to undergo three months of chemotherapy.
Despite the setback, Hendriks demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the mound in May 2023. He was later recognized for his courage, receiving the MLB Comeback Player of the Year award. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in August due to elbow ligament reconstruction surgery.
A Career Spanning Multiple Teams
Hendriks’ career has taken him to several MLB franchises. After starting with the Minnesota Twins in 2011, he also played for the Toronto Blue Jays (twice), Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and most recently, the Boston Red Sox. Over 13 seasons and 490 games (44 as a starter), he has accumulated a 33-36 record with 42 holds, 116 saves, and a 3.88 ERA.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hendriks?
While Hendriks’ recent performance with the Red Sox (2-0, 5.69 ERA in 14 games) wasn’t up to his usual standards, the Twins are hoping he can regain his form. MLB.com notes that he has only pitched 18 and two-thirds innings over the past three years, and his success hinges on his ability to stay healthy and rediscover his previous level of performance.
Hendriks was initially selected for the Australian team in the World Baseball Classic, but was later removed from the final roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
A: It’s a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system.
Q: How many saves does Liam Hendriks have in his MLB career?
A: He has 116 saves.
Q: What was Hendriks’ fWAR from 2019-2022?
A: His fWAR was 9.5, the highest among American League relief pitchers during that period.
Q: Which teams has Liam Hendriks played for?
A: Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox.
Did you know? Hendriks was named MLB’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 after battling and overcoming cancer.
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