White Sox Reinstate All-Star Closer Liam Hendriks After Cancer Battle

The pitcher was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January and announced he was cancer-free in April.

Over seven weeks after announcing he is cancer-free, White Sox closer Liam Hendriks is heading back to the big leagues.

Chicago announced that Hendriks had been added back to the active roster on Sunday with an emotional tribute video. Hendriks revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Prior to his reinstatement, he appeared in six games during his rehab assignment in Triple-A Charlotte.

In the video, White Sox players and coaches share warm messages to their teammate, welcoming him back and congratulating him for completing his return to the mound.

Your journey is an inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud.

Welcome back, Liam Hendriks! pic.twitter.com/fbQ6jwJsks

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 28, 2023

“Somehow, some way, you stayed positive the entire time,” pitcher Dylan Cease said. “I find that extremely inspirational.”

Hendriks, 34, has spent the past two seasons with Chicago after previous stints with the Twins, Royals, Blue Jays and A’s. He’s made three All-Star teams in the past four years and finished eighth in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2022.

Upon revealing he was cancer-free, Hendriks wrote a heartfelt message to his supporters and thanked his medical team for saving his life.

“These past five months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done,” Hendriks wrote. “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.”