MLB news 2023: Aussie Major League Baseball star Liam Hendriks diagnosed with cancer

Aussie MLB star Liam Hendriks has revealed a devastating diagnosis, while declaring his ambition to “embrace the fight”.

Australian MLB star Liam Hendriks has been diagnosed with cancer, revealing on his Instagram account that he is beginning treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“Recently, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” Hendriks said.

“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year.”

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Hendriks begins his treatment on January 9, and says he is “confident (of making) a full recovery and (will) be back on the mound as soon as possible”.

The Perth native racked up his third All-Star selection in 2022, a year after joining the White Sox on a three-year deal worth a mammoth $70 million, making him one of Australia’s highest paid athletes.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement that “our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player.

“I know the entire Chicago White Sox organisation, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months.

“We all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge.”

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is usually diagnosed in adult patients older than 50, with almost 7,400 Australians diagnosed with the disease every year, according to the Leukaemia Foundation.

It is a type of blood cancer, similar to leukaemia, which affects the lymph nodes of the body.

The White Sox do not have a timeline for Hendriks’ return as yet, with further clarity not expected prior to the opening day of the season, which falls on March 30.

Originally published as MLB news 2023: Aussie Major League Baseball star Liam Hendriks diagnosed with cancer