“Huge Boost” Triple-A Blue Jays Star catcher discharged from hospital, ‘doing well’
Triple-A Buffalo catcher Payton Henry, who was hospitalized due to being hit on the head by a backswing during Friday night’s game at Syracuse, has been discharged and is making good progress while resting and recovering, as announced by the Bisons today.
In the seventh inning of the game, halted because of the incident, Mets infielder Pablo Reyes swung and missed at a pitch from Bisons right-hander Connor Cooke. Unfortunately, Reyes’ backswing accidentally struck Henry on the head behind his left ear, causing his mask to fall off. Henry slumped forward and then lay on his back, visibly in pain.
Buffalo’s athletic trainer and manager Casey Candaele were quick to attend to Henry, and the trainer immediately signaled for emergency assistance from the Syracuse dugout.
“That was scary. He’s OK. He’s conscious. He’s all right. You hate seeing that,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “For one, Payton is such an unbelievable human and person. You hate seeing that as a former catcher, too. You kind of know what that’s like. He’s doing all right, which is a good thing.”
UPDATE on #Bisons Payton Henry:
"Payton Henry has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well as he continues to rest and recover.
We want to express our great gratitude to the Syracuse Mets organization and the medical support team at Upstate University Hospital for… pic.twitter.com/nVS8xpeKp0
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) June 1, 2024
Following the injury, players from both teams observed in hushed worry, with some covering their faces with their hats. A backboard was swiftly brought onto the field, and Henry was carefully placed on it and transported off the field. He was then taken to a nearby hospital for assessment. The Bisons later shared on Twitter that Henry was “awake and responsive.”
Payton is currently alert and appropriately responsive. We will share any further information as it becomes available. https://t.co/DvFOUtS4tr
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) June 1, 2024
Candaele and Syracuse manager Dick Scott discussed with the umpires for an extended period before agreeing to terminate the game in the seventh inning.
Drafted in the sixth round from Pleasant Grove (Utah) High School by the Brewers in 2016, Henry, a 26-year-old player, participated in 20 Major League matchups between 2021 and 2022 with the Marlins.
Currently, Henry is experiencing his initial season within the Blue Jays’ system.
