Prior to 2019, Liam Hendriks had been one of many serviceable middle relievers. The Oakland A’s righty had spent parts of eight seasons in the majors, moving to the bullpen after flaming out as a starter with the Twins. He had found a home in relief, but was essentially invisible – a pitcher few paid attention to unless he blew a game coming out of the bullpen.
Then, last season, everything came together for Hendriks. Blake Treinen had been banished from the closer role, giving Hendriks the opportunity he needed. In a storybook 2019, Hendriks posted a 1.