Red Sox's Liam Hendriks plan appears to be paying off rather immediately

Whether it's a cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy or Tommy John surgery, Liam Hendriks simply cannot be stopped.

The right-handed reliever, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Boston Red Sox this past February, was expected to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2023. A pitcher’s typical recovery time from the procedure is 12-18 months, and Hendriks made his first rehab appearance in month 12 for Triple-A Worcester Sunday.

Suffice it to say, Hendriks dominated. He pitched a perfect fifth inning against Lehigh Valley, throwing 12 pitches (10 strikes) for a flyout and a pair of groundouts. His fastball averaged 94.8 mph and touched 95.6 mph, and he also threw his curveball and slider.

The 35-year-old right-hander was one of the most dominant relievers in the game not too long ago, and the Red Sox signed him with hopes he could return to form and help get them back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021. As the club continues its push to for an American League Wild Card spot, it looks like Hendriks could be joining the squad even sooner than expected.

Liam Hendriks could be the next major contributor to the Red Sox bullpen

The Red Sox need bullpen help. Hendriks is bullpen help. Could it really be that simple?

Not quite. It's important to keep in mind that Hendriks has pitched only five MLB innings since the start of 2023 after battling and overcoming Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He returned to appear in five games before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament.

Hendriks, who threw three live batting practice sessions before heading out on his rehab assignment, is expected to make approximately seven appearances with Worcester before he throws his first pitch in a Boston uniform. Hendriks also told the media that he needs back-to-back days of throwing for his progression to be up to his standard.

Still, the (very) early returns are promising for the Red Sox, who could benefit from some pitching help as they sit just 3.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals for the final AL Wild Card spot. With Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin settling back into their late-inning reliever roles, the Red Sox hope that Hendriks will be the next major boost to their bullpen.

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