CHICAGO -- The best White Sox news coming from their 12-3 loss to the Giants in Monday afternoon’s home opener arrived before the first pitch was thrown, when closer Liam Hendriks appeared via video on the Guaranteed Rate Field scoreboard.

“Happy Opening Day Sox fans,” Hendriks said. “Just wanted to let you know I’m starting my last round of chemo today, so I’ll see you guys on the South Side soon. Play ball.”

Hendriks announced his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early January, but he has been making great progress throughout the treatment. He played long toss and even threw bullpens during Spring Training.

General manager Rick Hahn pointed out that Hendriks was not placed on the 60-day injured list to start the 2023 season for a reason. They don’t have a timeline for Hendriks’ return, but they are hoping for the best. Hendriks, who’s one of the best closers in the game, and left-handed reliever Garrett Crochet both could be back at some time in May.

“Until we have Garrett [Crochet] and Liam on rehab assignments, it’s tough to really give them a timeline on their returns,” Hahn said. “Both are progressing and both are not on the 60-day IL for a reason. So, we are not quite there to give you a timeframe, but we are headed the right way and currently have a very real chance of having them both back prior to 60 days into the year.”

“We were excited for [Hendriks] to get back whenever he can,” said Monday’s starting and losing pitcher Michael Kopech. “Ultimately we are ready for him to be a part of the team again. We are glad things are clearing up for him.”