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Former MLB Player Advises Frustrated Red Sox Reliever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 23, 2025 3:46 PM ET

It has been a difficult return to the mound for Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks.

Hendriks has overcome non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Tommy John surgery in recent years, and his 2025 comeback was celebrated not only by Red Sox fans but people all around baseball.

A triumphant story of determination and perseverance, the final piece of Hendriks’ puzzle was returning to his 2022 form when he was with the Chicago White Sox.

However, a 5.56 ERA, a 4.14 FIP, 11 strikeouts to six walks over 11 and 1/3 innings, and frustration about his usage has sent shockwaves throughout Boston.

Here is what former MLB player and “Foul Territory” member A.J. Pierzynski had to say about Hendriks:

"You've been out for years. You gotta get back into it."@AJPierzynski12 reacts to Liam Hendriks' frustrations over his usage as of late. pic.twitter.com/AaB72LUboo
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 22, 2025

“Dude, just be happy that you’re getting to pitch. Until you can go out and prove and you can get four or five scoreless outings in a row, you’re not going to get higher leverage situations,” Pierzynski added.

Going into the season, the Red Sox’s closer battle was down to Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman. Chapman won and has delivered on the staff’s decision. The 37-year-old has a 1.89 ERA, a 2.81 FIP, and eight saves in 21 appearances.

Boston’s bullpen has already seen marked improvement, particularly because of Chapman’s late-inning success, and have a combined ERA of 3.62, 12th in the Majors.

While Hendriks has primarily seen work after the seventh inning, his latest blowups could dissuade manager Alex Cora’s trust in his veteran. On May 21 vs. the New York Mets, Hendriks allowed three earned runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning and received the loss.

On May 16 vs. the Atlanta Braves, Hendriks also recorded just two outs and allowed two earned runs. However, aside from a rusty debut, Hendriks had been excellent and had not allowed a run over his previous eight outings.

These contrasting versions of Hendriks have complicated his role, and his next several appearances will hold even more weight than usual.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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