Cubs sign former White Sox, Athletics All-Star closer for bullpen depth originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Cubs have added a veteran arm for bullpen depth.
Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic reports that the NL Central club has signed right-hander Liam Hendriks to a minor league contract.
Hendriks, a three-time All-Star, reported to spring training with the Minnesota Twins but was granted his release when he learned he would not make the Major League roster.
The 37-year-old has recorded 116 career saves since making his debut in 2011. Seventy-six of those saves came with the Chicago White Sox from 2021-23.
Hendriks overcame Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, diagnosed in January 2023. Shortly after returning to the mound, he underwent Tommy John Surgery that kept him off the field for the entire 2024 season.
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He last pitched in the Majors with the Boston Red Sox last season, posting a 6.59 ERA with seven walks in 13.2 innings.
The Cubs have three relievers (Hunter Harvey, Riley Martin, Caleb Thielbar) on the injured list, and there's no harm in giving Hendriks a chance.
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