A’s ‘humbled’ Liam Hendriks is first Aussie to start a postseason game

NEW 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.

Hendriks, who will open Wednesday’s wild-card game at Yankee Stadium, said the difficult experience changed his attitude.

“It's one of those things where I've had to adapt, I've had to overcome some things and I think it's made me better,” Hendriks said. “It's definitely humbled me, it's definitely brought me back down to earth, and it's definitely brought out that little animosity about everything, just trying to go out there and prove that I can do this.”

After he was called up Sept. 1, Hendriks had a 1.38 and .