White Sox Closer Liam Hendriks Sidelined With Elbow Issues

Just as soon as the White Sox got their biggest weapon back in the bullpen, he was placed back on the shelf.

On Sunday, White Sox placed Hendriks on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Tanner Banks was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move.

The move would explain Hendriks dip in velocity from a year ago. His average fastball velocity, which sat at 97.6 mph last season, is down to 95.4 mph this season.

Some rust was to be expected, and relatively speaking, the 34-year-old closer has been good for the White Sox since returning from his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After allowing three runs in his season debut, Hendriks has a 2-0 record with a save and three strikeouts in his last four appearances.During that stretch, he has allowed just one hit.

His first win of the season came on June 4th, which is National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States. His last apperance before being placed on the IL was during the White Sox walkoff win over Miami on Friday when he fired 1-2-3 scoreless ninth inning.

Hendriks was not afforded the same time to ramp up for the season, so a dip in velocity and performance is understandable. However, arm issues have been a bit of a concern for Hendriks even before announcing his cancer diagnosis.

Last June, Hendriks was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain that cost him multiple weeks. Forearm strains tend to be one of the major red flags leading up to Tommy John surgery. Hendriks has also pitched with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow for the last 15 years.

Losing Hendriks for another extended period of time would be a massive blow for the White Sox bullpen as they try to claw their way back to the top of the AL Central.

The White Sox closer is in his third and final season of a three-year deal worth $54 million.

In 2021 he was named the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year for the second straight season, becoming the first pitcher to earn the award in consecutive seasons. He led the American League in saves (38), strikeouts (113), WHIP (0.73), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (16.14).

In 2022 the Australian was named an All-Star for the third straight season. His ERA went up a tick in 2022 from 2.54 to 2.81, but he still managed to log 37 saves. Hendriks has consistently been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last four seasons.