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By Dakota Randall
Contributing Sports Writer
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Over the next month, someone will show Alex Cora they deserve to be the Boston Red Sox closer to the start the season. Liam Hendriks wants the job as bad as anyone.
Hendriks, who returned from Tommy John surgery late last season but didn't advance past a rehab assignment, is among the top contenders for the role. So are Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock.
Hendriks opened up about the competition this week.
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"I just want to be given an opportunity," Hendriks said, per MLB.com's Ian Browne. "If I win the job, I win the job. If I don't win the job, I don't win the job. It's not going to change how I go about pitching. It's not going to change my mentality towards anything."
Known for displaying fiery emotion on the mound, Hendriks admitted such behavior could be awkward if he's just a middle-innings reliever.
"But fist-bumping in the seventh, it's kind of like, 'This guy is a knob,' " Hendriks said. You fist bump at the end of a game, it's more electric. I just want to be wherever I can be to help this team win. We've got a great team. And if we flitter around a little bit, it is what it is, and we'll take it by ear. But I plan on winning that job."
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Cora also offered his updated thoughts on the closer battle.
"We'll get there when we get there," Cora said Wednesday, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo. "We have guys there who can do the job. (Whitlock) always reminds me that he closed the Wild Card game a few years ago (in 2021). We'll try to use him as a multi-inning guy. That's what he does best."
Hendriks posted 114 combined saves from 2019 through 2022, including 38 saves in 2021 and 37 saves in 2022. He appeared in just five games for the Chicago White Sox in 2023 before blowing out his arm.
Hendriks' velocity was down at the start of spring training but reportedly was back in the mid-90s this week. If he can maintain that upward trajectory, Hendriks likely would have the insight track toward being named the opening day closer.
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