Pitcher Liam Hendriks’s return to the Red Sox this season seems unlikely due to ongoing elbow soreness that has halted his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Manager Alex Cora revealed that Hendriks will likely be shut down from throwing in the coming days as a precaution. An MRI showed no structural damage, but Hendriks has experienced soreness in the outside part of his forearm, unrelated to his surgery.
Despite hopes that Hendriks would be able to make a few appearances before the end of the season, it now appears he will not be able to do so. This is a blow to the Red Sox, who signed him with the expectation that he would be part of a veteran trio of relievers at the end of games alongside Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Hendriks represents a sense of stability in a bullpen that is likely to see significant changes. Martin and Jansen are both free agents, and other trade deadline additions are also on expiring contracts. Hendriks, a three-time All-Star with 116 career saves, may become the veteran leader in the bullpen, along with young righties and lefties under team control.
Manager Alex Cora expressed the importance of having Hendriks on the team due to his experience and leadership qualities, emphasizing that his presence was valued by the front office. While Hendriks may not pitch this season, his potential return next spring provides a sense of certainty in an uncertain bullpen environment.
Source
Photo credit www.masslive.com