'Nothing's off the table' for Hendriks 

CHICAGO -- Liam Hendriks has appeared in 68 games during his first season as the closer for the American League Central champion White Sox, seven short of his single-season high set with the A’s in 2019.

If the right-hander had his druthers, he would pitch more frequently. So expecting him to be ready to pitch basically every day in the postseason is not even a question that needs to be asked of the 32-year-old.

“I’ve been basically ready to pitch every game for the regular season, so I’m raring to go,” Hendriks said Saturday. “You saw what I did last year with, I think it was 49 pitches, and then pitching the next day [against the White Sox in the Wild Card Series].

“I threw three innings against the Astros in Game 3 of the ALDS last year and was ready to go in Game 4. Nothing’s off the table in the playoffs. I’ll be ready to go no matter what, no matter how many innings, pitches, whatever I throw. If I’m physically able to pick the arm up, I’m ready to go.”

Hendriks leads AL relievers with 37 saves, 111 strikeouts and a 15.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is the first pitcher in club history with 30-plus saves and 100-plus strikeouts in a season, and he is trying to become the first White Sox hurler to strike out 100-plus and walk nine or fewer. Kenley Jansen struck out 109 and walked seven in 2017 for the Dodgers as the last reliever to accomplish such a feat.

Hendriks had walked seven in 70 innings entering play Saturday against the Tigers.

“My theory on it is if you are a Hall of Famer or having an All-Star-class season [as a hitter], you are going to be right around the .300 average level,” Hendriks said. “That means seven out of 10 times, you are going to get out.

“So, why would I give you an extra chance of putting you on base? Why can’t I run the risk of 3-2 or whatever the count, throw a strike and see what they can do with it? The odds are in my favor you are going to get out.”

These numbers should have Hendriks in AL Cy Young Award contention. But the veteran hurler didn’t see himself in that mix.

“Not when you have two Top 5 contenders on our own team,” Hendriks said. “Obviously, you get that brought up, and it’s very hard to be a reliever. The only real season that could ever come close to doing anything like that was what [Eric] Gagne was able to do, perfect in saves and lead the league in saves and all of that.

“Other than that, it’s a tall task. Obviously, my money is on [Toronto's] Robbie Ray, with what he’s been able to do this year and bringing that team close to the brink of the playoffs.”

Marshall making progress
Evan Marshall, sidelined by a strained right flexor pronator, threw a simulated game Saturday afternoon and seemed pleased with the results.

“Honestly, I can't imagine getting much more out of what I did today,” Marshall said. “I was 90, 91 [mph], with pretty good command and stuff. The elbow held up to get me through it good enough, and now it's just sort of going to be how do I bounce back now that the adrenaline and all the excitement is kind of wearing off.

“I'm starting to feel it a little bit more in my elbow. But tomorrow will be the real gauge to see how it feels when I wake up.”

Marshall hopes to help the White Sox in the postseason but isn’t sure if the ALDS against Houston is possible.

“As far as Round 1 goes, I would say I could do it,” Marshall said. “But if I go out there and pitch once, I could have to get replaced for injury, because there's no way I could throw again.

“That's why coming in [Sunday] is going to be a real good gauge to see where we're at. Because the playoffs, you gotta be ready to throw five times in five games. Maybe that's not on the table for Round 1. I hope it is.”

They said it
“No, harder is when you don't have options. ... When you have more options and you almost have too many good players, that's a dream come true for a coaching staff and a manager.” -- manager Tony La Russa, on whether it’s more difficult to construct a playoff roster and lineup with the versatility and options he has on this team

“We’re like fine wines.” -- Lance Lynn, on why some of MLB’s older pitchers have excelled this season