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Chicago White Sox Star Closer Making Continued Progress in Return From Elbow Problems

Chicago White Sox star closer Liam Hendriks is getting closer and closer to a return to the big leagues as he battles elbow problems. Here's the latest.
Brady Farkas|
Chicago White Sox Star Closer Making Continued Progress in Return From Elbow Problems
Chicago White Sox Star Closer Making Continued Progress in Return From Elbow Problems

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Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox got some good news on Tuesday regarding injured closer Liam Hendriks, who has been on the injured list since mid-June with an elbow problem.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Hendriks (elbow) will throw a simulated game Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

ANALYSIS
After being cleared to throw June 27, Hendriks will advance to the next step in his recovery process Wednesday. Assuming all goes well during his sim game, the 34-year-old closer will presumably embark on a rehab assignment before returning to Chicago's bullpen. Hendriks has pitched just five innings this season, surrendering three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters.

That's great news for the White Sox, who can use a stopper at the back end of the bullpen, but it's also great for Hendriks, who has dealt with a lot this year. Before suffering the elbow injury, he was diagnosed with (and beat) non-Hodgkins lymphoma. 

He is one of the top closers in the league, having wrapped up 116 career saves, nearly all of which have come since 2019. He led the league in 2021 in saves with 38 for the White Sox.

Hendriks is in his 13th career major league season and has spent time with the Twins, Royals, Blue Jays, Athletics and White Sox. He's a three-time All-Star (2019, 2021-2022)..

The White Sox entered play on Tuesday at 40-55 but currently trail the Mets, 11-4, in the top of the seventh inning.

The two teams will play again on Wednesday.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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