Former All-Star's possible return could boost playoff chances for Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox (68-64) are in danger of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row, something that hasn't happened since 2012.

They've exceeded expectations in 2024, though. They were a season-best 10 games over .500 on July 14 at 53-43 but have gone just 15-25 since then. Approaching the final month of the campaign, fans are still holding hope that their club can sneak into the playoffs via one of the three AL wild-card spots, as they enter Wednesday just four games behind the Minnesota Twins (72-60) for the final postseason berth.

The Red Sox may be debuting one of their offseason acquisitions in early September that could be a big boost to their bullpen and their playoff chances with former All-Star closer Liam Hendriks.

MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo reported Wednesday morning that Hendriks "remains on track" to make his Boston debut in September.

The 35-year-old righty inked a two-year, $10M deal with the organization in February after undergoing Tommy John surgery last August. Hendriks said after signing with the Red Sox that " 15 or 16 " teams had contacted him about his availability.

The three-time All-Star and two-time Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award winner has made three minor league rehab appearances in August and is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday and Friday.

Per Cotillo's report, the Australian's original estimate was that he'd need six to eight rehab outings before returning to MLB. Cotillo further added that before he arrives in Beantown, he is planning to pitch on back-to-back days next week.

"That would be the plan," Hendriks said, according to the report. "It obviously depends on how recovery goes and how I pull up."

He made a triumphant return to the mound with the Chicago White Sox last May after missing the beginning of the year due to his battle with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hendriks was limited to five appearances though, as he soon went on the injured list with elbow inflammation.

He led the AL with 38 saves in 2021 and earned 37 more with the White Sox during his most recent All-Star campaign in 2022.

Boston could use another bullpen arm with closing experience, as veteran Kenley Jansen is the only other pitcher in the group with significant time spent in that role.