Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will begin treatment on Monday.
“Recently I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hearing the word “Cancer” came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, 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,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
“My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammate and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
White Sox senior vice president and general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement that the organization’s “thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player. I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable.”
Hahn said the White Sox don’t expect to have an update on Hendriks’ playing status “prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”
Hendriks, 33, earned his third All-Star selection last season when he saved 37 games and went 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 58 appearances. He had a career-best 38 saves to lead the American League in the 2021 season, his first with the White Sox after signing a three-year, $54 million contract with the team as a free agent.
He is 31-34 with a 3.81 ERA and 115 saves over 12 major league seasons.