Triple-A catcher Payton Henry, hit by backswing, out of hospital

ByABC News
June 1, 2024, 1:59 PM

Catcher Payton Henry of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons was released from the hospital Saturday, a day after he was struck by a batter's backswing and carted off the field on a stretcher.

Henry was hit in the back of the head by the swing from Syracuse Mets third baseman Pablo Reyes in the seventh inning of a game in Syracuse, New York. He immediately went to the ground upon contact, and athletic trainers tended to him.

"Payton Henry has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well as he continues to rest and recover, " the Bisons posted on social media.

"We want to express our great gratitude to the Syracuse Mets organization and the medical support team at Upstate University Hospital for their assistance and support for Payton in his time of need."

Later Saturday, Henry thanked well-wishers and said he is doing well. 

"Wanted to get on here and thank everyone for the prayers and concern," he wrote on X. "I'm doing pretty good and hoping to recover as quick as possible. I love you all!" 

Officials decided not to continue Friday's game after the injury.

The Bisons said late Friday night that Henry was "alert and appropriately responsive" at an area hospital.

The Mets were up 4-2 at NBT Bank Stadium when the game was called.

Henry was picked by the  Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth round of the 2016 amateur draft. He played in college at BYU.

The Bisons are the Triple-A affiliate of the  Toronto Blue Jays.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.