A’s Hendriks selected as AL Reliever of the Year
A’s closer Liam Hendriks’ season, which began with a blown save on Opening Night, reached its peak Saturday when he was named the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year.
The award, established in 2014, is named after the New York Yankees’ Hall of Fame closer. Three A’s won the award when it was known as the Rolaids Relief Man Award: Dennis Eckersley (twice), Billy Koch and Keith Foulke.
“Honored is an understatement,” Hendriks said in a statement released by the team. “It’s humbling to win an award that bears the name of the greatest closer in history.”
Rivera was part of a sevenmember selection committee that included Eckersely, Rollie Fingers, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, John Franco and Billy Wagner.
Hendriks’ blown save on Opening Night — he gave up a game-tying home run to Jason Castro of the Los Angeles Angels — was his only failure of the year. He went 14 for 15 in save chances, compiling a 1.78 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 24 appearances over 25 1/3 innings. He gave up just that one home run.
Hendriks is a free agent and although both he and the A’s have expressed interest in him returning, that is unlikely.
In his statement, Hendriks thanked everyone — his teammates, his coaches, the A’s organization, even the relievers with whom he has shared a bullpen over the years.
“Finally, to A’s fans everywhere, I’ve had the privilege to represent you since I arrived here five years ago,” Hendriks said. “And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
—Shayna Rubin
BREWERS’ WILLIAMS GETS NL HONOR >> Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers earned the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award.
Williams, a 26-year- old rookie right-hander, posted a 4-1 record and 0.33 ERA in 22 appearances. He struck out 53 batters and allowed only eight hits in 27 innings.
ASTROS’ JAMES HAS SURGERY >> Houston Astros pitcher Josh James underwent hip surgery and will need six to eight months to recover.
Houston general manager James Click said that James had a labral tear of his left hip repaired Friday.
James initially injured his hip Aug. 20 in a game at Colorado and went on the injured list. When the right-hander returned, he had a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings in his final six appearances of the regular season.