Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks underwent a medical procedure Wednesday morning to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow – known as Tommy John surgery – and will need 12 to 14 months to recover. This comes after the reliever’s triumphant return from a battle with cancer just months prior.
‘Welcome Back, Liam Hendriks’ | Chicago White Sox via YouTube
Hendriks was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 11 with an inflamed elbow. He only appeared in five games during the season, ending the year with a 5.40 ERA in five innings.
Although the injury is serious, it pales in comparison to everything Lance Hendriks has already conquered. He returned to the majors in May just four months after having been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy during the offseason and began a rehab assignment a few weeks later.
His return to the field earlier this season garnered huge attention – not only in Chicago but all over the world. On May 29, Hendriks pitched against the Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field during a very emotional night. He allowed two runs on three hits, but that didn’t matter. He had survived. And for the White Sox faithful, it was a moment to give thanks for.
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“It was definitely emotional,” Hendricks said about that night. “There was a lot going on. It was nerve-wracking going out, being available today, and having that go on.”
“It was humbling going out there… seeing the amount of people wearing my shirts, the amount of people having signs or flags or anything like that, the amount of people that were chanting, the outpouring of love, not only online and social media but in person has been huge and I want to thank the city of Chicago for embracing us in this way and hopefully, we have and can still continue to move forward and represent the city well.”
The 34-year-old Hendriks became one of the feel-good stories of MLB and was selected for the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance from the ESPYs. The honor is named after former NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who became a symbol of courage vs. cancer.
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