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Red Sox Make Liam Hendriks Announcement, Other Roster Moves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 11:35 AM ET

It’s been a peculiar start to Hunter Dobbins’ MLB career. The Boston Red Sox’s rookie right-hander was nowhere near the group of expected starting pitchers in spring training, but it is not yet May, and he has made two starts, both of which were impressive.

Through 11 innings of work, Dobbins has a 2.45 ERA, a 3.03 FIP, and 11 strikeouts to two walks in two victorious outings.

However, with relief pitcher Liam Hendriks expected back on Saturday, Dobbins has been sent back to Triple-A Worcester, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live:

With Liam Hendriks due back tomorrow, Hunter Dobbins is headed back to the WooSox after a good outing tonight.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 19, 2025

Regular starter Brayan Bello is also expected back soon as he has progressed through his rehab stint and should rejoin the rotation.

This is a tough blow for Dobbins, who has made the most of his limited opportunities, but should have earned the trust of manager Alex Cora and could find himself atop the injury replacements list.

The Red Sox, when fully healthy, boast a staff of Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito. They also have Sean Newcomb, Kutter Crawford, and Richard Fitts, who are eligible and worthy of starts.

But, if Dobbins’ performances have been any indicator, he should be in this mix. Oddly enough, Dobbins has a 10.80 ERA as a reliever for Triple-A Worcester, but his Big League success warrants more starting chances.

Meanwhile, Hendriks will make his first appearance since 2023, when he was limited to five games. After overcoming non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hendriks suffered a UCL injury and needed Tommy John surgery, knocking him out for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024.

He is one of the most triumphant and inspiring stories of perseverance in baseball, and hopefully, he can rediscover his form from 2019-2022 for Boston.

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

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