Liam Hendriks set to write latest chapter of his comeback story

Liam Hendriks has faced more than one obstacle since he last pitched in 2023, but the veteran pitcher is officially set to return to MLB action.

The Boston Red Sox announced on Saturday that they have activated Hendriks from the 15-day injured list.

Hendriks has not pitched in an MLB game since he was with the Chicago White Sox in 2023. The reliever made five appearances that season and posted a 5.40 ERA before being shut down due to elbow inflammation. Hendriks later underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2024.

Prior to undergoing elbow surgery, Hendriks had a battle with cancer. He announced in January 2023 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and would need to undergo chemotherapy. Hendricks revealed on April 20, 2023 that doctors had told him he was cancer free.

Hendriks signed a two-year, $10M contract with the Red Sox over the winter. He struggled during spring training but was solid in three total rehab appearances — one with Triple-A Worcester and two with Double-A Portland. He struck out five batters and did not allow a run in three total innings.

The cancer diagnosis for Hendriks came at a time when he had established himself as one of the best relievers in baseball. He made an All-Star appearance in 2019 as a member of the Oakland A's and two more in 2021 and 2022 with the White Sox. Between the latter two seasons, Hendriks had a total of 75 saves and posted a 2.68 ERA.

Now that he is 36 and coming off major surgery, it is hard to know what to expect from Hendriks. He is already a great story, and if he can become a key contributor in Boston's bullpen after beating cancer and missing a season due to injury, he would easily be one of the best stories of the 2025 season.