Twins reliever Liam Hendriks hopes to rediscover success in second tour with team

After beating non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hendriks has been derailed by injuries, including a nerve issue that caused numbness.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Liam Hendriks, a three-time All-Star relief pitcher, has signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins in hopes of reviving his career after battling cancer and multiple injuries in recent years. Hendriks, 37, is determined to prove he can still be a viable major-league pitcher despite the setbacks he has faced, including Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue that caused numbness in his throwing hand.

Why it matters

Hendriks was once one of the top closers in baseball, but his battle with cancer and subsequent injuries have derailed his career. His comeback attempt with the Twins represents a feel-good story of perseverance, and if successful, could provide a boost to the Twins' bullpen as they look to contend in the AL Central.

The details

Hendriks first announced his Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in January 2023, but miraculously returned to the mound for the Chicago White Sox just five months later. However, his elbow blew out after only five appearances, leading to Tommy John surgery in August 2023. After a 20-month recovery, Hendriks returned to pitch for the Boston Red Sox in 2025, but his season was marred by multiple injuries, including a nerve issue that caused numbness in his throwing hand and required additional surgery. Hendriks is now hoping a new offseason conditioning program and a return to the Twins, the team that originally signed him to his first professional contract, will help him rediscover his past success.

  • In January 2023, Hendriks announced his Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
  • In May 2023, less than five months after his cancer announcement, Hendriks miraculously returned to the mound for the Chicago White Sox.
  • In August 2023, Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery after his elbow blew out after only five appearances.
  • In April 2025, Hendriks returned to pitch for the Boston Red Sox, but his season was marred by multiple injuries.
  • In 2026, Hendriks signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins and is hoping to earn a spot in their bullpen.

The players

Liam Hendriks

A 37-year-old relief pitcher who has signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins in hopes of reviving his career after battling cancer and multiple injuries in recent years.

Derek Shelton

The current manager of the Minnesota Twins, who is enjoying the freedoms of being a manager after previously serving as the team's bench coach.

Toby Gardenhire

The field coordinator for the Minnesota Twins, who is responsible for making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I haven't really come back since cancer. I came back a little bit last year, but I still wasn't in a good spot. There were some underlying issues there. I was trying to push through a little too much.”

— Liam Hendriks

“Why would I go under the knife twice to not play or at least not attempt it? It just doesn't make any sense. ... Not only was I able to train my body to get into a better spot, but I was able to train my mind. Take a step back and not try to run through that same brick wall over and over again. Do enough work to make it a plywood wall, and that's easy to run through.”

— Liam Hendriks

“I was really excited putting the uniform on. I think you don't realize the privilege of putting a major-league uniform on until you don't put a major-league uniform on. Putting it on, it was like, I haven't done this in a while, and it's not just another regular spring training. That gets taken away from you for four months? (Thursday) was a really cool day for me.”

— Derek Shelton, Manager, Minnesota Twins

What’s next

If Hendriks proves to be healthy, he could easily assume a late-innings role in the Twins' bullpen, which is currently lacking that kind of experience. Hendriks acknowledged he has work to do to ready himself for the season and will not pitch for Team Australia in the first round of the World Baseball Classic, but he hopes to join the team if they advance to Miami and he is throwing well.

The takeaway

Hendriks' comeback attempt with the Twins represents a remarkable story of perseverance and resilience. After overcoming cancer and multiple debilitating injuries, the three-time All-Star reliever is determined to prove he can still be a viable major-league pitcher. If successful, his return could provide a significant boost to the Twins' bullpen as they look to contend in the AL Central.