The Boston Red Sox’s lineup was missing a significant figure when they started their season against the Texas Rangers over the weekend. Despite worries about the bullpen during the offseason, Red Sox relief pitchers delivered an impressive performance with 12 shutout innings to kick off the season, providing a rare highlight during the team’s 1-3 opening.

This accomplishment was even more remarkable given the absence of Liam Hendriks. Hendriks, a three-time All-Star and twice awarded the American League Reliever of the Year, joined the Red Sox before the 2024 season; however, he missed the entire season due to Tommy John surgery recovery. His absence now stretches into another season’s beginning.

Hendriks experienced elbow inflammation following a difficult spring training and was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday. He remains hopeful for a swift debut with the Red Sox once eligible, but this marks another challenging episode for the right-hander.

On Monday, Zach Pressnell from FanSided offered a somewhat pessimistic outlook for Hendriks, suggesting that the 2025 season might be Hendriks’ last with Boston, assuming he struggles to perform after his recent setback. “Not only was Hendriks not chosen as the closer, but he’s also battling another injury,” Pressnell noted.

“With his contract nearing its end, it’s unlikely the Red Sox will opt to renew given his performance thus far.” He added, “There’s a possibility that Hendriks might return to his old form in 2025. Should this happen, the Red Sox would be fortunate to have him continue next year. However, I doubt he will regain his former prowess, especially after this latest injury.”

Hendriks, 36, is a beloved figure in baseball, having been dominant from 2019 to 2022. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis ahead of the 2023 season and subsequent Tommy John surgery have limited him to just five innings over the past 29 months.

The notion that this year might be Hendriks’ last in Boston is not far-fetched, given his contract is expiring. Yet, Pressnell’s belief that his tenure could end unfavorably would be a disappointing conclusion to a contract that initially held much promise for both Hendriks and the Red Sox.