White Sox Closer Hendriks Begins Treatment For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks will begin treatment on Monday after he announced on social media on Sunday that he was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hendriks, 33, is a two-time All-Star since joining the Sox in 2021 and has pitched in the Major Leagues for 12 years.

Hendriks, who led the American League in saves in 2021 with 38, announced the diagnosis on Instagram.

“Hearing the word 'cancer' came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year,” Hendriks wrote in the post. “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.

“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 teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn issued a statement on Sunday, saying that the team does not expect to have an update on Hendrik’s heath until after Opening Day. Henriks posted 37 saves last year with the Sox and had a record of 4-4 with an ERA of 2.81 with 85 strikeouts while appearing in 58 games.

“Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player,” Hahn said in the statement. “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. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy.”