The Boston Red Sox may have won their last two games, but they'll still need much more help in the coming weeks to make the playoffs, as they're three games back of the Minnesota Twins for the final Wild Card spot with just 29 games left in their season.
One thing that could really help Boston make that final push would be some solid performances from the bullpen, which has been one of the worst in the league since the All-Star break, despite the team acquiring two relievers via trade.
However, the Red Sox should get a boost in the near future, as Liam Hendriks is getting closer to his debut with the club after missing the entire year to this point due to Tommy John recovery. He's appeared in four total games (two for Double-A Portland and two for Triple-A Worcester) so far in his rehab assignment, allowing one unearned run on two hits and a walk over three innings.
When might Hendriks take the mound in Boston for the first time as a member of the Red Sox?
“Sept. 6 would be a nice one,” Hendriks said (via. MassLive). “It’s the day I debuted 13 years ago. That would be a nice one but at the end of the day, I’m not ready, I’m not ready. If I am, I am. It’s not like a hard date I want to be back for. Is there a little added incentive? For sure. But it’s not a do-or-die or I need to back by that day. I’m not going to set an ultimatum for anyone.”
The 35-year-old originally said he'd like to get six to eight appearances under his belt before returning to the big leagues. That would put him right around that date for his Red Sox debut. Boston could certainly use him back, so they're probably itching for him to finish this rehab assignment and feel good to go just as much as he is.
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