A Triple-A International League game between the Mets and the Blue Jays’ affiliate on Friday night was halted after a scary incident in which the catcher was taken to the hospital after receiving a swing to the head.
In the bottom of the seventh inning at NBT Bank Stadium, with the home team, Syracuse Mets, at bat with the lead, third baseman Pablo Reyes’ backswing struck Buffalo Bisons catcher Peyton Henry in the left side of his face and the back of his head, causing serious injury.
Henry immediately dropped to the ground, lay looking up at the sky, and was quickly treated.
He was assisted by Buffalo’s trainer and manager, Casey Candaele, who both signaled for more help.
His Buffalo teammates waited on the infield, anxiously taking a knee to watch.
Henry was eventually carried off the field on a stretcher and shortly thereafter the game was announced as having ended after seven innings by umpire and league decision.
Syracuse University general manager Jason Smolol conferred with the umpires, spoke by phone and then took the microphone to address the crowd.
“We have been contacted by the umpires and the league and at this point the game is called off. The game is complete,” Smorol said. “This concludes our thoughts and prayers for Peyton Henry, who is currently on his way to the hospital.”
The Bisons said Henry was “alert and responsive” after being taken to a local hospital in central New York.
“Payton Henry was transported to a Syracuse-area hospital where he is being evaluated. Payton is currently aware and responding appropriately. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Henry, 26, is in his first year with the Blue Jays organization and is batting .244 with three home runs and a .704 OPS this year.
He was 0-for-3 before the injury.
