Hendriks’ return from cancer an inspiration for White Sox

Kristi Hendriks knew before her husband, Liam, started chemotherapy that he would return to the pitching mound for the Chicago White Sox.

“That was his saving grace,” Kristi said Monday. “He said: ‘I’m going to play again if it takes me four rounds, if it takes me six rounds, if it goes more, if it goes less. I’m just going to do that because I need to do that for myself.’

“And then when all the fan support got behind him, it was 100% a moment of, ‘I’m doing this for the city of Chicago.’ ”

The White Sox reinstated Liam Hendriks from the injured list Monday before their game against the Los Angeles Angels. It was a remarkable return for the closer who announced in January he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hendriks tipped his cap to the crowd and teared up during a ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field that recognized the more than $100,000 raised through the sale of “Close Out Cancer” T-shirts. The shirts allowed fans to show support during his fight, with the net proceeds benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Hendriks has been an inspiration throughout the organization.

“It’s truly a testament to his hard work and commitment the fact that we’re even having this conversation in May,” general manager Rick Hahn said before Monday’s game. “When we got the initial prognosis, I don’t think anyone would have been shocked if the response to a Stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis was we weren’t going to see the guy pitch this year. Or if we initially announced he’s going to be gone till at least the All-Star break, I don’t think anyone would have batted an eye with that timeline.

“But Liam and his wife, Kristi, from the start were committed to getting back as quickly as humanly possible.”

That return became official Monday.

“I think the May timeline that he had in his own mind throughout was a bit of a motivator for him,” Hahn said, “and something, I think, could hopefully serve as a motivator to others who are suffering through similar diagnoses.

“Truly a remarkable accomplishment by Liam and by Kristi and by all those involved in the rehabilitation to getting him back.”

Hendriks did some baseball work during spring training while undergoing treatment.

“I was there with him in Arizona, kind of through the buildup, through a lot of the chemo treatments,” reliever Garrett Crochet said.

“For him to be where he is now, it’s just awesome to witness.”

Hendriks announced April 20 that he was cancer-free. After a stint with Triple A Charlotte and three live batting practice sessions with the Sox, he was once again available out of the bullpen.

The Sox took a close look at the work when deciding Monday was the right time to return. The Sox have a three-time All-Star back.

He pitched one inning and gave up three hits and one run against the Angels in a 6-4 loss.