If we make a list of the five best overseas right-handed pitchers in MLB, the name Liam Hendriks will be among the top five. He made his debut in September 2011 for the Minnesota Twins. Since then, he has made 115 saves and accumulated 724 strikeouts in 471 games.
During his 11-year MLB career, the 33-year-old won three all-star games, twice was named AL pitcher of the year, and twice was named AL’s first team. However, the MLB universe has been hit by a shocking development regarding the Australian.
What happened to Liam Hendriks?
On Sunday, the righty revealed shocking news via an Instagram post. He announced he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has started to undergo treatment as of Monday.
View this post on Instagram
In the statement, the Slydah wrote, “I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life. My treatment begins tomorrow.”
You’ve got this, 31. 💚 pic.twitter.com/QeNEyExDjj
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023
The details are still unknown, but the pitcher appears to be optimistic about returning to the mound. “I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible,” Hendriks expected. “I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
Prayers to Chicago #WhiteSox closer Liam Hendriks, who announces that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. pic.twitter.com/oYQCha4mSN
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 9, 2023
The White Sox’s GM Rick Hahn released a statement following the announcement: “We are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. We do not expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”
Statement by Chicago White Sox Senior Vice President/General Manager Rick Hahn regarding Liam Hendriks: pic.twitter.com/dHlN5LTcVr
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023
The pitcher is having a wonderful season so far, bagging 85 strikeouts and 37 saves in 58 games. But right now the need to be relieved by saving from killer cancer.
We at SportsZion are praying for Liam Hendriks and his family during this perilous time.
