Liam Hendriks DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (elbow) is expected to be activated off the 15-day injured list prior to Saturday's contest against the Chicago White Sox. Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com noted that Hunter Dobbins is likely heading back to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Hendriks signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox before the 2024 campaign but has yet to make an appearance for them. He underwent Tommy John in 2023 and then hit the 15-day IL at the start of the 2205 campaign due to elbow inflammation. He has made three rehab appearances and fired three shutout frames. He has struck out five batters, served up two walks, and has allowed just one hit. Even though Aroldis Chapman and Justin Slaten have been the go-to options in the ninth inning, fantasy managers should expect Hendriks to see save situations throughout the campaign.

According to Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com, Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (elbow) is set to pitch again on Sunday and is nearing a return to the big leagues. As a relief pitcher, Hendriks will not need as long of a ramp-up period as the other injured pitchers in Boston, like Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Brayan Bello (shoulder). Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status after his second rehab outing on Sunday, as he could be cleared to return to Boston next week. During his first rehab outing, Hendriks logged one inning and allowed one hit while striking out three batters. He has been on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation since the start of the campaign. When he does return, he will compete with Aroldis Chapman for save opportunities.

Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks (elbow) had a very successful first minor-league rehab outing on Thursday with Triple-A Worcester, tossing a scoreless inning with one hit and three strikeouts. The 36-year-old veteran threw 13 of his 18 pitches for strikes and said he felt good after needing an injection in his elbow two weeks ago to help with a nerve issue. He will most likely need a few more rehab appearances before he's ready to rejoin the Red Sox's bullpen for his 2025 season debut. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2024, Hendriks hasn't pitched in a big-league game since June 9 of 2023, when he pitched for the Chicago White Sox. The Australian is a three-time All-Star and has 116 career saves in 13 MLB seasons, though, so he could be in the mix for saves in Boston alongside lefty Aroldis Chapman when he's fully healthy.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session on Monday and is likely to begin a minor-league rehab assignment by the weekend, reports Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. This could put Hendriks on track to return in late April, and he figures to be in the mix for high-leverage opportunities with Aroldis Chapman and Justin Slaten. The Red Sox haven't committed to either as their full-time closer, so Hendriks could be worth a speculative add in deeper fantasy leagues where saves are hard to find.

Boston Red Sox right-hander reliever Liam Hendriks (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday or Saturday, according to manager Alex Cora. This will be Hendriks' first bullpen session since being placed on the 15-day injured list to start the 2025 season. Hendrik's battled control problems and an elbow injury in spring training, which caused him to lose out on potentially opening the year as Boston's preferred closer. The 36-year-old veteran is unlikely to be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible on Tuesday, April 8, but it might not be much longer after that in which he's able to make his season debut in Beantown. The Australian native and three-time All-Star didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2024 and made just five appearances in 2023 in his final season with the White Sox due to injury, so he's far from a sure thing to stay healthy at this point of his career as a high-leverage reliever.