Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, a setback after his inspiring return from non-Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this season. The move comes before Sunday's 6-5 loss against the Miami Marlins, prompting the team to recall left-hander Tanner Banks from Triple-A Charlotte.

Manager Pedro Grifol expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the emotional impact on the team and the roster implications. He emphasized the need to move forward and support Hendriks' recovery.

General Manager Rick Hahn revealed that Hendriks' current elbow discomfort mirrors a similar issue from last season, which landed him on the injured list with a strained right forearm flexor. Hahn indicated that Hendriks is undergoing further evaluation and a definitive update is expected by Tuesday.

This injury comes as the White Sox struggle to recover from a difficult 7-21 start to the season. While they had recently shown signs of improvement, winning six of eight games, they faltered in the final game against the Marlins.

The White Sox bullpen has already been tested this season, with Hendriks' initial absence due to cancer treatment and Garret Crochet's recovery from Tommy John surgery. While both pitchers have returned, the recent struggles of Kendall Graveman and Keynan Middleton in the Miami series highlight the team's vulnerability.

Grifol had been gradually reintegrating Hendriks into the closer role, acknowledging the impact of his absence but expressing confidence in the remaining bullpen options. Hendriks made his comeback from cancer on May 29 against the Los Angeles Angels. The 34-year-old has a 2-0 record with a save and a 5.40 ERA in five appearances this season.

Over his 13-year career with Minnesota, Toronto, Kansas City, Oakland, and Chicago, Hendriks has accumulated 116 saves and a 3.82 ERA. He signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the White Sox in January 2021, leading the American League with a career-high 38 saves in his first season. In 2022, he earned his third All-Star selection with 37 saves, but his season was interrupted by the discovery of lumps on his neck, leading to his cancer diagnosis.

Hahn expressed his empathy for Hendriks, acknowledging the pitcher's resilience and the disappointment of losing a key bullpen asset. He also reiterated his confidence in the remaining relievers.