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Red Sox News: Liam Hendriks injury update, Garrett Cooper signs with division rival

By Katie Manganelli

Jun 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) reacts after striking out Detroit Tigers third baseman Tyler Nevin (18) during the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) reacts after striking out Detroit Tigers third baseman Tyler Nevin (18) during the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Red Sox on June 25 provided an update on closer Liam Hendriks, who Boston signed over the offseason.

The veteran has been out of commission since the end of the 2023 campaign after he underwent Tommy John surgery. Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared a big step in his recovery.

Hendriks will throw his first bullpen "toward the end of the week." The Perth, Australia native said shortly after signing with Boston in February that he hoped to return around the All-Star break. The festivities at Globe Life Feld are nearly three weeks away, so his timeline may be possible if all goes well with his rehab.

Hendriks will likely become the Sox's primary closer by August. Boston has made its intentions to trade Kenley Jansen clear, but there hasn't been an excess of rumors around potential locations for him. The Red Sox's recent hot streak could motivate the front office to keep Jansen around to push for a playoff spot and he's voiced his desire to remain in Boston for the rest of the campaign, so his fate is up in the air as Hendriks nears readiness.

Liam Hendriks to throw first bullpen since Tommy John surgery, former Red Sox Garrett Cooper signs with Orioles

The Red Sox on April 27 acquired veteran infielder Garrett Cooper to fill the void Triston Casas left at first base after his rib injury. He slashed just .171/.227/.229 in 24 games with Boston and was released on June 14 — Dominic Smith better suited the Sox's offensive and defensive needs.

Cooper signed a minor-league deal with the division-rival Baltimore Orioles on June 24, 10 days after his release from his Red Sox contract. The O's are Cooper's third team of the 2024 season, which he began with the Cubs.

The 33-year-old earned an All-Star nomination with the Marlins in 2022, and he spent the best years of his career in Miami. He slashed .269/.338/.436 with a .774 OPS over his six years with the Fish, and the Orioles surely hope to unlock Cooper's prime offense to bolster their options at first base as they push for a deep playoff run.

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