Can the Former All-Star Reliever Stage a Comeback?

The Minnesota Twins are reuniting with former All-Star reliever Liam Hendriks, who has signed a minor-league contract with a Spring Training invite.

If there was one of many greatest comebacks in Major League Baseball this yr, this might be the second with the 37-year-old veteran.

Hendriks’ Career Highlights and Challenges

Sports Illustrated acknowledged that the three-time All-Star established himself as one among MLB’s premier closers between 2019 and 2022, primarily with the Athletics and White Sox.

During that stretch, he tallied 114 saves, a 2.26 ERA, and 359 strikeouts, cementing his repute as an elite late-inning weapon. Hendriks’ success relied on a four-seam fastball, complemented by a slider and occasional curveball.

Recent years, nonetheless, have been difficult. In 2023, Hendriks was recognized with most cancers, forcing him to overlook the season’s begin.

After overcoming the sickness, he underwent Tommy John surgical procedure, sidelining him for all of 2024. Last season, he pitched simply 13.2 innings with the Red Sox earlier than dealing with one other setback.

Why the Twins Signed Hendriks

For Minnesota, signing Hendriks represents a low-risk, high-reward alternative. The Twins are searching for bullpen depth, and if Hendriks can regain even a part of his peak type, he might play a key late-inning function beneath supervisor Derek Shelton.

Should well being or efficiency points persist, the workforce maintains the pliability to discover different bullpen choices.

Returning to His MLB Roots

Hendriks started his MLB profession with the Twins after signing as a global free agent from Perth, Australia, in 2007. He debuted in 2011 as a beginning pitcher however struggled over three seasons.

Subsequent stops with the Royals and Blue Jays preceded his breakout as a full-time reliever with Toronto in 2015, adopted by a commerce to Oakland in 2016.

Now, after pitching simply 18.2 innings throughout the final three seasons, Hendriks returns to the franchise the place all of it started, hoping to earn a roster spot and assist anchor Minnesota’s bullpen. Pitchers and catchers report back to Fort Myers on Thursday, marking the beginning of Hendriks’ long-awaited comeback journey.