GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox closer Liam Hendriks hasn’t pitched in a week while dealing with a kidney stone issue, but manager Tony La Russa said the hope is to get Hendriks in a Cactus League game in the upcoming final weekend of the spring and be ready by Opening Day on April 1.
“He’s having some pains, looks like a kidney stone, maybe a couple,” La Russa said. “They think it’s close to passing.”
Hendriks threw a bullpen Wednesday. His last appearance in a game was last Wednesday.
“I know from people who’ve had it it’s a very uncomfortable, painful thing to go through,” La Russa said. “It’s a good test of his toughness, but he’s passing it.”
La Russa said there is a good chance Hendriks pitches this weekend.
“If he can make a couple or three appearances … he’s in good shape and he’s experienced,” La Russa said. “If that’s the case, without a setback he’ll be ready.”
Hendriks, the 2020 Reliever of the Year, was signed to a $54 million, four-year contract in the offseason, giving the Sox what shapes up as one of the best bullpens in baseball.
