Liam Hendriks Revisits Cancer Battle With Red Sox Debut In Crosshairs

There have been multiple highs and lows in Liam Hendriks’ career, and the three-time All-Star hopes to help the Red Sox reach their heights this season.

Boston signed Hendriks to a two-year deal last offseason knowing the right-hander’s ability to debut this season was up in the air. The 35-year-old was recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he started light work last month as part of his efforts to reach his August debut date.

It’s not the first time Hendriks has needed to overcome struggles in his career, and that was highlighted by his battle with cancer last year. It was never a time the veteran reliever ever sat back and reflected, but he did recall a cherished memory during that time.

“There were some really cool experiences throughout it all. The ESPYs has been one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever been around,” Hendriks told NESN’s Tom Caron on the “310 To Left” podcast. “You don’t often see baseball players go to these major sporting awards because we have opposing seasons to other major organizations. … I’ve gone through the lowest of lows of being DFA’d five times. I’ve come back from that. I’ve been a month away from retiring from the game. I’ve potentially been one decision from an organization from going to Korea back in 2014.

“There was a lot of times where there was a lot of sliding door moments that got me to where I am. And that has just built the mental side of the game in my head that it doesn’t matter what has gone on. I know I can beat whoever I’m going against regardless of who they are, what they can do on the field and anything else. Saying all that and seeing all these world-class athletes nodding along and going on with it, it just really reiterated the mindset that I’ve really tried to cultivate.”

Hendriks detailed his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and his reaction when he heard he had Stage 4 cancer. The Australian pitcher also noted his chemotherapy treatments didn’t come with many harmful side effects.

The reliever announced in April of last year that he was cancer-free, and he pitched five innings for the Chicago White Sox in the 2023 season. He hopes to make his Red Sox debut this year to help Boston in its playoff push.