BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox have made a roster change, placing relief pitcher Liam Hendriks on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right hip. This decision is effective retrospectively from Wednesday. In a corresponding move, the team has called up right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi from their Triple-A affiliate, Worcester.
Hendriks, who has contributed to 14 games this season, has recorded a 6.59 ERA, achieving 12 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings. Throughout his career, spanning six teams since 2007, Hendriks has amassed a noteworthy 116 saves in 490 games.
Nick Burdi will be stepping in following his impressive performance at Worcester. The 32-year-old pitcher has previously made two relief appearances for the Red Sox, maintaining an unblemished 0.00 ERA over 2 1/3 innings. His record at the Triple-A level includes a 4-0 record accompanied by four saves and a remarkable 0.48 ERA across 15 appearances.
Off the field, Hendriks has faced challenges of a more personal nature. On May 22, he openly discussed on social media the unsettling experience of receiving death threats after a tough loss to the New York Mets. At 36, the right-hander has had to endure such hostility despite his past health struggles, including a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He shared that the vitriolic comments targeted both him and his family, with some wishing he had succumbed to cancer.
Though this setback sidelines Hendriks temporarily, Burdi’s call-up is a chance for him to shine at the major league level as the Red Sox focus on their ongoing season.