Liam Hendriks is cancer free and officially back in the majors.
The White Sox announced Sunday night they were activating the relief pitcher and former All-Star closer from the IL for Monday’s game against the Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field.
“Your journey is an inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud. Welcome back, Liam Hendriks,” the Sox posted on their Twitter account along with a video shortly after the news he’d be back.
Hendriks alluded to the good news on his Instagram on Sunday, posting a video of him pitching with the caption “See you soon on the Southside” and a 5.29 date.
Hendriks, 34, had his last round of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma on April 3 and has been working his way back to being ready to pitch with the White Sox again.
He last appeared in an MLB game on Oct. 3, 2022.
In preparation for his return, Hendriks pitched six times for Triple-A Charlotte, allowing six runs in five innings of work.
Hendriks’ final hurdle appeared to be pitching live batting practice on Friday – throwing 19 pitches to Elvis Andrus, Adam Haseley and Seby Zavala at Comerica Park.
He reportedly looked good.
“His numbers were really good,” manager Pedro Grifol told reporters at the time. “He ticked up from Cleveland. Really good step in the right direction.”
Hedenriks, who has played 13 seasons in the majors, has a 3.81 career ERA and 115 saves, including a career-high 38 in 2021 and 37 more in 2021.
The White Sox announced “Close Out Cancer” T-shirts with a ribbon with Hendriks’ No. 31 in February to benefit the Lymphoma Research Foundation and Hendriks’ teammates have really taken to wearing them.
“These past 5 months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life,” Hendriks wrote in an Instagram post in April after announcing he was cancer free. “Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done. I cannot thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. No words can express the gratitude I have for them saving my life.”