Veteran Star is expected to make his Red Sox debut this weekend. Manager Alex Cora told reporters, including MLB.com’s Ian Browne, that there’s a “good chance” the veteran reliever will be activated from the 15-day injured list on Saturday. Chris Cotillo of MassLive noted that right-hander Hunter Dobbins, who was called up earlier, is likely headed back to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.
He hasn’t appeared in a regular-season MLB game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2023. That marked the end of his stint with the White Sox, who declined his $15 million club option with his 2024 availability in doubt. Boston signed him to a backloaded two-year, $10 million deal—he earned $2 million last year during rehab and will make $6 million this season, with a $2 million buyout on a mutual option for 2026.
The three-time All-Star attempted a return last September, making six minor league rehab appearances before arm discomfort caused the Red Sox to pause his progression. He also struggled in Spring Training, giving up seven runs over 6 1/3 innings, and began the season on the IL with elbow inflammation. A cortisone shot and rest helped, and he began a rehab assignment last Thursday.
Since then, Hendriks has pitched three scoreless innings across multiple minor league levels, striking out five and walking two, with his fastball sitting at 94 MPH—an improvement from his Spring Training performance.
While Hendriks was initially seen as the favorite to take over as closer from Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman’s strong Spring Training earned him the role. Chapman is 4-for-4 in save chances and has allowed just one run in 7 1/3 innings, so he’ll remain in the closer spot. Hendriks will instead slot in as a setup man alongside Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock.