Former Blue Jays reliever is fired up, ready for the world
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Liam Hendriks is fired up!
The two-time former Blue Jay and three-time All-Star closer is thrilled to be competing again after a gruelling two years.
After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in early 2023, Hendriks made a surprise return to the mound that May-only to blow out his elbow shortly after, requiring Tommy John surgery. The injury wiped out the rest of 2023 and all of 2024.
Now, the fiery spirit and infectious energy that have made Hendriks a fan favourite across the league are back.
That passion was on full display when he shouted and pumped his fist after striking out Taylor Walls in the fourth inning.
You come across as kind of a [jerk] when you do it in the fourth inning of a Spring Training game. But it's nice to get that going, as far as just the mentality of having it in you and doing it that way.
After being traded to the Athletics following that season, Hendriks found his groove as a closer and earned his first All-Star nod. He later signed a three-year deal with the White Sox, cementing himself as one of the game's most dominant relievers, before joining the Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season.
Despite being away for nearly 18 months, Hendriks' fastball still had some life, sitting between 93-96 mph.
While Hendriks has the résumé of a top-tier closer, he understands that after such a long layoff, nothing is guaranteed.
I just want to be wherever I can be to help this team win. We've got a great team. And if we flitter around a little bit, it is what it is, and we'll take it by ear. But I plan on winning that job.
If he does reclaim the closer role, expect to see the full range of emotions that have made Hendriks must-watch TV.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27 | 62 ANSWERS Former Blue Jays reliever is fired up, ready for the world Will Liam Hendriks win the closing job for the Red Sox? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 54.8 % |
| No | 28 | 45.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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