Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks has been down this path before.

But he knows it will eventually lead him back to the big leagues and onto the mound for the Red Sox for the first time.

Hendriks, 36, had his first rehab outing of the season Thursday with Triple-A Worcester, and it went very well. The veteran right-hander pitched the first inning against the Columbus Clippers at Polar Park, and Hendriks struck out the side while letting up one hit. He threw 13 of his 18 pitches for strikes.

Hendriks, who began the season on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation, needed an injection in his elbow two weeks ago to help with a nerve issue, but he told reporters following his outing that he felt good and believed he located his pitches better than in spring training.

Pitching for Worcester isn’t new for Hendriks. He made four appearances for the WooSox — and two with Double-A Portland — last season as he tried to work his way back from Tommy John surgery before getting shut down at the end of the season.

Hendriks most likely will need at least a few rehab appearances before he’s ready to join the Red Sox. He hasn’t pitched in a game in the big leagues since June 9, 2023, when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox.