The Chicago White Sox and their fans received both good and challenging news as closer Liam Hendriks underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
The procedure, performed by the esteemed Dr. Keith Meister at TMI Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington, Texas, brings hope for a strong recovery for the talented pitcher.
The surgery took place on Wednesday morning and was deemed successful by the medical team. Dr. Meister, known for his expertise in handling such procedures, has instilled confidence in both the player and the organization. The torn ulnar collateral ligament, often referred to as UCL, is a significant injury that can impact a pitcher’s performance. However, with advancements in medical science and rehabilitation techniques, there is optimism for Hendriks’ return to top form.
Hendriks, at the age of 34, faces a recovery period expected to last approximately 12 to 14 months. It means that the White Sox will have to plan accordingly for the time being without their ace closer. Though it’s a challenging prospect, the team is confident in the abilities of their bullpen and will look to maintain their competitive edge during Hendriks’ absence.
The closer was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 11, with the designation retroactive to June 10. The initial reason for his absence was right elbow inflammation, which has now led to the discovery of a torn UCL. Hendriks had a mixed season before his injury, recording a 2-0 win-loss record with a 5.40 ERA (3 ER/5.0 IP), three strikeouts, and one save over five appearances.
Hendriks faced more significant challenges off the field as well. He began the season on the injured list while continuing his treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer. The diagnosis came to light on January 8, and he courageously fought through the treatment process, completing it on April 3. The news of his being cancer-free on April 20 brought immense joy and relief to the baseball community and beyond.