Despite throwing 49 pitches, Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin stated that closer Liam Hendriks would be available on Thursday for Game Three.
Bob Melvin was seemingly not taking any chances. Chris Bassitt had fired a gem, allowing just one run over seven innings, putting the Oakland A’s in a perfect position to even their series against the White Sox. He began the eighth inning, but after a leadoff single to Tim Anderson ended his night.
Liam Hendriks was then summoned from the bullpen, with Melvin looking to make the final two innings as worry free as possible. Hendriks struggled a bit in the inning, allowing a home run to Yasmani Grandal to put the White Sox on the board, but he did manage to strike out the side. The ninth inning was his as well.
But Hendriks continued to struggle. After striking out the first two batters of the ninth, Hendriks ran out of gas. He allowed consecutive singles to put runners on the corners, then walked Yoan Moncada to load the bases. A walk to Grandal forced in a run, ending his day as Jake Diekman picked up the save.
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After needing 49 pitches to record five outs, and having tired during the ninth inning, it would not be a surprise if Hendriks was not available on Thursday. He simply had nothing left to give. Instead, Melvin indicated that Hendriks would be available for Game Three, ready to be called upon as the A’s look to advance.
In a way, this should not be a surprise. The A’s need every hand on deck Thursday, as it is do or die time. Hendriks, his issues on Wednesday notwithstanding, has easily been the A’s best reliever this year. Melvin would want his top option available.
But Hendriks also pitched more than one inning only three times all year. His only outing of 1.2 innings came on September 16; it was also the only game he pitched in over a 12 day span. Hendriks had gotten at least four days off between outings of longer than an inning. Even if he is summoned from the bullpen on Thursday, he may not last for long.
Everyone on the Oakland A’s will be available on Thursday, including Liam Hendriks. However, after his 49 pitches on Wednesday, do not expect him to last for long.