The Boston Red Sox have been on fire since Independence Day and have found ways to amaze fans time and time again. Riding a 10-game winning streak into the All-Star Break, the Red Sox are undoubtedly the hottest team in baseball.
Whether it's Ceddanne Rafaela being the hottest hitter on the planet, or the rise of Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony on the team's recent homestand, the whole Red Sox team is happy. To be honest, they probably didn't want the All-Star Break to interrupt their best play of the season.
For other Red Sox, including this veteran reliever who was recently moved to the 60-day injured list, times have been tough as of late. After signing a two-year deal in February of 2024, Liam Hendriks may have already thrown his last pitch in a Red Sox uniform after just 14 appearances.
Liam Hendriks is One of Red Sox's Biggest Disappointments
The 36-year-old Hendriks signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Red Sox after getting Tommy John surgery in August of 2023. After being sidelined for the whole 2024 season and missing the first month of this season with an elbow inflammation, Hendriks returned to baseball this past April.
In 14 appearances with the team, Hendriks struggled mightily after being tabbed as one of the best closers in the game from 2019-2022. The Perth, Australia native holds a 6.59 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 7 walks allowed across 13.2 innings this season. Whether Hendriks was still dealing with the effects of TJS and a hip injury during those outings or if he has simply lost his fastball remains to be seen.
His tenure in Boston may be over, now that he's been moved to the 60-day injured list after suffering a setback in his rehab following a right hip injury he endured in May. The Red Sox placed the veteran on the 15-day injured list on May 30, and Hendriks has gone backward in his rehabilitation efforts.
Hendriks' contract includes a "mutual option" for next season, meaning both the player and team have to agree to another year. The price tag for next season is a hefty $12 million, and Hendriks hasn't done much to warrant that type of money. There is no reason for Boston to bring Hendriks back, knowing he's been dealing with all sorts of injuries and hasn't pitched well whenever he's been healthy.
With his 60-day IL placement dating back to July 8, Hendriks could be back in the fold as early as September 8, but Alex Cora could be hesitant, knowing how well the Red Sox bullpen has performed without him over the last month. Boston's bullpen holds a 3.44 ERA (fifth-lowest in baseball) this season and has gotten a boost from Jordan Hicks and Chris Murphy as of late.
At this point in his career, Hendriks does the Red Sox more harm than good. It should be time to move on from him during this offseason, after two years filled with injuries and setbacks.