Injured Red Sox pitcher likely shut down the for year

The Boston Red Sox signed right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks in the offseason knowing he'd miss a large chunk of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in 2023 as a member of the Chicago White Sox.

Hendriks had begun a rehab assignment midway through August. He made six total appearances out of the bullpen between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester totaling five innings. During that stint, he allowed four hits and two walks while striking out three batters.

However, during the rehab assignment, Hendriks was supposed to throw back-to-back days, but a setback threw the plan out the window.

Now, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey, the 35-year-old has had an MRI on his elbow and Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it's likely that the team will shut him down for their remaining 16 games.

The three-time All-Star still has one full year remaining on his deal with Boston as well as a mutual option for 2026.

At this point, Hendriks has appeared in five games since the end of the 2022 season due to a cancer battle and the UCL injury that led to Tommy John.

It's tough to imagine Hendriks bounces back to the pitcher he was before the time off in 2025, which makes the Red Sox bullpen issues heading into next year that much worse.

MORE RED SOX NEWS

Red Sox listed as potential landing spot for $200 million superstar

Red Sox pitcher announces he’ll retire after the season

Demoted Red Sox infielder suffers injury in unbelievable way

Former Red Sox pitching prospect has been great for new team