If you were looking for a sign that Liam Hendriks was for real after his 2019 breakout, then this one is about 50 feet tall and blinding you with neon lights.
The Oakland A’s closer was named American League Reliever of the Month on Wednesday, for the combined month of July/August. With the A’s season opening July 24, that makes it roughly a five-week period.
This is the second time Hendriks has received this honor, with the first coming in June 2019.
The distinction should come as no surprise, as we’ve watched Hendriks blossom into one of the most dominant relievers in the sport over the last couple years.