Liam Hendriks was in scramble mode Sunday morning. But it was for purpose, because the Chicago White Sox nearer discovered he was added to the American League All-Star roster.
Hendriks and Jordan Romano of the Toronto Blue Jays are changing Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees and Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros, Major League Baseball introduced Sunday.
“It’s always nice to be able to be recognized,” Hendriks stated earlier than Sunday’s recreation towards the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. “It’s always exciting, hopefully I get a chance to play in the game this year as well.”
Hendriks is an All-Star for the third time in his profession; he additionally made it in 2019 with the Oakland Athletics and final season with the Sox. He earned the save in final yr’s All-Star Game at Coors Field in Denver, changing into the primary Australian to perform the feat and the second Sox pitcher, becoming a member of Virgil Trucks in 1954.
Hendriks is the primary Sox reliever since Bobby Jenks in 2006-07 to make back-to-back All-Star groups.
“It’s such an honor to be able to go to events like this,” Hendriks stated. “I’m simply hoping to go on the market and soak every thing up. Plus the jerseys look somewhat bit higher this yr than final yr.
“I’m in a decent stretch in this part of my career right now. This is a big part of the way things go. Obviously I’m just extremely honored. I’ve been able to be relatively consistent with everything going forward the last four years. It’s been a wild ride to think of where it all started, where it all came from and the things we’ve gone through.”
He added: “That’s one thing I really pride myself in is not necessarily the best numbers or anything like that. It’s just the consistency of being able to go out there day in, day out, and make sure it’s not like a good year, bad year, good year, bad year kind of thing.”
Hendriks is 1-2 with a 2.35 ERA, 45 strikeouts, 18 saves and a 0.95 WHIP in 30 aid appearances this season.
“His track record speaks for itself and he’s having a heck of a year,” Sox bullpen coach Curt Hasler stated. “If he hadn’t missed a couple of weeks, it probably would have been a no brainer. They made the right call. This guy is a true professional and his track record is exactly what this deserves.”
Hendriks joins Tim Anderson as Sox representatives. Anderson was voted the AL beginning shortstop.
Hendriks is tied for fourth within the AL in saves. He missed practically three weeks with a flexor pressure in his proper forearm.
“That was one of the things where I didn’t think anything of (an All-Star selection),” Hendriks stated. “I missed a while, it’s not going to occur, now I get an opportunity to take a while off and regroup. I truly was simply speaking to (pitching coach Ethan) Katz. We have a plan going ahead that I don’t need to have too lengthy in between video games. If I can get into the (All-Star) recreation, it might truly assist out that form of schedule.
“I’m excited about being out there, I’m excited to be in L.A. Hetting to rub shoulders with the game’s best is always a good time.”
Hendriks was one of many gamers final yr Fox Sports picked to put on microphones and earpieces for in-game interviews. There have been some technical points and a few of his spicy language was picked up. If requested, he stated he’ll have a dialog together with his spouse Kristi to debate whether or not to put on a microphone once more.
“It was actually really good for the game of baseball in Australia,” Hendriks stated. “It in all probability can be a sure. I acknowledge the truth that you’d in all probability should have the beep man prepared once more and perhaps somewhat bit extra on high of it this yr.
“Also, make sure the volume is up so I can actually have a conversation with the guys instead of me just yelling at them and them asking me if I can hear them, which I can’t.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com