Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Liam Hendriks, of Australia, speaks during a news conference before their upcoming American League wildcard baseball game against the New York Yankees Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
lessOakland Athletics relief pitcher Liam Hendriks, of Australia, speaks during a news conference before their upcoming American League wildcard baseball game against the New York Yankees Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, in
... more Photo: Frank Franklin II / Associated PressNEW YORK - Getting designated for assignment in June and clearing waivers - no other teams wanted him - not only makes Liam Hendriks a most unlikely playoff starter, but it also was the best possible thing for him.