White Sox closer Liam Hendriks diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced on Sunday that he's been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hendriks made the announcement in a statement on Instagram.

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"Recently I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," Hendriks wrote. "Hearing the word 'cancer' came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life.

"My treatment begins tomorrow and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”

The Mayo Clinic describes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma as "a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system" while noting that medical advancements have improved the outlook for people diagnosed with the disease:

"In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body. … Advances in diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have helped improve the prognosis for people with this disease."

Per the American Cancer Society, treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and radiation therapy. Hendriks didn't share details of his diagnosis or prognosis beyond what was included in his statement.

White Sox senior vice president and general manager Rick Hahn released a statement through the team in support of Hendriks.

"Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player,” Hahn’s statement reads. “I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates and certainly White Sox fans will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months.

“Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable.”

Hahn noted that the White Sox don't anticipate providing an update on Hendrik's status prior to opening day in March.

Hendriks, 33, is a 12-year MLB veteran and three-time All-Star. He joined the White Sox in 2021 after previous stints with the Oakland A's, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins. He's been named an All-Star in each of his two seasons with the White Sox and led the AL in saves with 38 in 2021.

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