CHICAGO — The loudest ovation at Guaranteed Rate Field came before Monday’s home opener when a recorded message from Liam Hendriks appeared on the video board.
The Chicago White Sox closer announced in a video to fans that he’s beginning his last round of chemotherapy.
Hendriks announced in January he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Monday’s video appeared on the board before the first pitch and later was posted on the team’s Twitter page.
“Happy opening day, Sox fans,” Hendriks said. “Just want to let you know I’m starting my last round of chemo today, so see you guys on the South Side soon.”
Thursday in Houston, general manager Rick Hahn said: “While we don’t currently have a specific timeline available to share with you on (Hendriks’) potential return, those of you that pay close attention to our roster will notice that we have not placed him on the 60-day (injured list), and that is on purpose. Hopefully at some point in April, toward the end of April, I’ll be able to get a little bit more specific for a potential timeline for his return. But know that right now he’s making progress.”
Hahn reiterated that point before Monday’s game while discussing Hendriks and reliever Garrett Crochet, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery.
“Both are progressing and both are not on the 60-day IL for a reason,” Hahn said. “So we are not quite there to give you a time frame, but we are headed the right way and currently have a very real chance of having them both back prior to 60 days into the year.”
Sox starter Michael Kopech said Hendriks shared the update with some people during spring training.
“We were excited for him to get back whenever he can,” Kopech said. “Ultimately we are ready for him to be a part of the team again. We are glad things are clearing up for him.”
