Cancer-free, Hendriks already racking up K's

CHICAGO -- Liam Hendriks’ amazing comeback took another step forward Friday, as the White Sox closer struck out four during extended Spring Training action in Arizona.

The team tweeted the video of Hendriks during the White Sox game against the Rays at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the start of the year and began chemotherapy on Jan. 9, one day after he posted about the illness on his Instagram account. The All-Star right-hander was present, at times, during Spring Training and continued playing long toss and even throwing bullpens during his treatment.

But on April 20, the night before the White Sox opened a three-game weekend set at Tropicana Field, Hendriks announced on Instagram that he was cancer-free and in remission. His rehab has continued in full force, with Hendriks scheduled to visit the White Sox during the upcoming Twins series this Tuesday through Thursday. He will begin a Minor League assignment next weekend.

Hendriks will help not only the White Sox bullpen upon his return, but the overall team psyche.

“He has a good way of talking through things when we do hit some rough patches,” White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz said. “He helps the guys, communicates with the guys more so than other players because he’s been through a lot, being DFA’d and let go. He has a totally different perspective and his influence is huge.”

“It was like the cancer never stopped him. He’s always grinding,” White Sox reliever Reynaldo López said. “I saw him throwing bullpens in that situation, you just kind of tip your hat. Doing that, it’s like after everything that happened, he’s strong no matter what.”

Left-handed reliever Garrett Crochet, who had Tommy John surgery before the start of the 2022 season, will also join Double-A Birmingham Sunday on injury rehab.