White Sox closer Hendriks diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced Sunday that he's been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In an Instagram post, Hendriks said he'll begin treatment for the cancer on Monday.

"Hearing the word 'cancer' came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year," Hendriks' statement reads. "However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life.

"My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this."

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in his own statement that the team won't have any updates on Hendriks' playing status "prior to Opening Day at the very earliest."

"Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player," Hahn said. "I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and (his wife) Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable."

The baseball world quickly began sending love to Hendriks following his announcement:

Hendriks, 33, joined the White Sox in 2021 and was named an All-Star in his first two seasons with the club. The native of Perth, Australia, also made the All-Star team in 2019 as a member of the Oakland Athletics. He's also played for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Toronto Blue Jays during his 12-year major-league career.