MLB: Pitcher David Hess reveals his cancer has returned and needs surgery as Liam Hendriks donates

June 2024 ยท 3 minute read

Pitcher David Hess, whose career was previously interrupted by a cancer diagnosis, announced the disease has returned.

'The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind for us with this cancer journey that seems to never want to end,' he posted on Instagram on Friday. 'We found out that inside my tumor was (a) very rare and very aggressive type of cancer called angiosarcoma. 

'Along with that discovery, lung nodules have popped up that we aren't sure what to make of yet.'


Hess, 29, said he will have surgery on Tuesday to biopsy the nodules and also undergo upcoming surgery to remove the tumor. He also will have chemotherapy.

'I will fight like hell and do whatever is needed for a cancer free prognosis at some point,' he wrote.

David Hess will undergo surgery on Tuesday after revealing on Friday his cancer had returned

David Hess announced that he's been diagnosed with cancer for a second time return, Friday

The former Orioles, Marlins and Rays pitcher shared a lengthy health update on Instagram

The former Orioles, Marlins and Rays pitcher shared a lengthy health update on Instagram

Hess will now undergo surgery and chemotherapy. He and his wife, Devin, married in 2016

Hess will now undergo surgery and chemotherapy. He and his wife, Devin, married in 2016

An online fundraiser was set up on Friday to help Hess and his wife, Devin, with medical expenses. 

'The Hesses have hearts of gold, and are facing this unthinkable journey with unending faith, grace and strength,' the page's description read. 'It's on our hearts to do anything we can to help, and we appreciate everyone's support!'

The biggest contribution so far has come from Chicago White Sox reliever Liam Hendriks and his wife, Kristi, who donated $5,000 on Friday. 

Daniel Bard, pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, matched that donation. The $15,000 goal had been passed and stood at $21,225 at the time of writing on Saturday night.

Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma last December and is close to returning to the team. He rang the 'victory bell' at his last chemotherapy session on April 5.

The biggest contribution to Hess' Go Fund Me, so far, is from White Sox reliever Liam Hendriks

The biggest contribution to Hess' Go Fund Me, so far, is from White Sox reliever Liam Hendriks

Liam Hendriks spoke for the first time about his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in May

Liam Hendriks spoke for the first time about his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in May

Hess was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor, a rare form of cancer, in his chest in October 2021

Hess was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor, a rare form of cancer, in his chest in October 2021

Hess was 'cured' and cleared for baseball activities in 2022. Seen with Devin in February 2023

Hess was 'cured' and cleared for baseball activities in 2022. Seen with Devin in February 2023

Hess was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor, a rare form of cancer, in his chest in October 2021 after he went to the emergency room with tightness in his chest and 'severe shortness of breath'. 

Following treatment for the cantaloupe-sized tumor, he was cleared to return to baseball in early 2022.

Hess has a career record of 6-22 with a 6.25 ERA in 62 games (34 starts) with the Baltimore Orioles (2018-20), Miami Marlins (2021) and Tampa Bay Rays (2021).

He spent the 2022 season in the Rays' minor league system, tallying a 2-1 record with a 13.06 ERA in 10 1/3 innings over eight relief appearances.

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