ALTOONA, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Just under a month removed from breaking his wrist, Pirates 2021 first-round pick Henry Davis is back playing. Even with the recent success he’s not 100%, just fighting through it.
“I’m optimistic that we are close to the end of things in terms of it bothering me,” Davis told 93.7 The Fan. “This is something our whole medical staff expected. It’s getting range of motion back. Getting more in the swing of things.”
“The swing is such a violent move that three weeks out from a broken wrist, nothing is going to feel 100%. Try not to think about it.”
Not only not think about it, but he says the mindset at the plate is he’s invincible. The right-hand hitting catcher has definitely been better. He’s eight for his last 20 with a home run, four doubles, three walks and seven RBI.
“It’s been a matter of getting my timing back and getting comfortable after breaking my wrist,” Davis said. “Not a stretch that I wanted to go on (coming back from injury), but any challenge is good for you. Handling it and moving forward, I will be better moving forward.”
He only started his professional career in early August of last year, but already has double-digit doubles and home runs in just 47 games. He’s mostly picked up where he left off hitting 15 home runs, 48 RBI, scored 40 runs while hitting .370 his final season at Louisville.
“I didn’t think the level of play was any adjustment,” Davis told 93.7 The Fan. “It’s just the same game. I think there is a little more consistency. You might find a full team of really good at bats (at AA), where maybe in High A there might be a few less on an off-day. But I think it’s the same game at the base of it.”
It’s the same game, but not the same faces wearing the same uniform. The New York native says he doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary to get to know his teammates. It’s a matter of just being yourself and over time those relationships grow.
“Trying to be a good person for them,” Davis said. “Not only them as a baseball player, but them as a person. That’s really for all our teammates, just care about each other.”
He’s had scant time with a couple of the Bucs best pitching prospects. Only six innings so far catching Bucs 2019 first-round pick Quinn Priester. The right-hand Priester dealt with an oblique injury at the start of the season and just started pitching in games on June 9.
“Henry prepares better than anybody I’ve been around,” Priester told 93.7 The Fan. “He knows exactly what the hitters want to do. We will continue to progress as pitcher and catcher. He’s been fun to get to know him.”
“Learning how to manage the game,” Davis said of the catching adjustment. “In the pro game, it’s on yourself. It’s you and the pitcher, building those relationships has been great. I feel like I’ve made big strides there and it’s something that is going to be important for my career down the road.”
His nearly 11 months in pro ball has seen its challenges. The pressure of being the top overall pick. A four for 40 start to his AA career. The broken wrist. Only two other players in all of the minors have been hit by a pitch more than Davis and he plays the most physical position in the sport.
Even with those obstacles, he does bring a determination and non-emotional intensity to work every day, saying the last few ‘unique’ years did teach him a lesson.
“Thankful to be playing,” Davis said. “Things got put into perspective for me, not only with the injury, but I missed a college season due to COVID. Every day I get to take the field, I’m thankful.”
As for when he takes the field in Pittsburgh? Right now, he’s happy to see former teammates get their opportunities with the Pirates. He knows his chance will come.
“I think it’s time to be where your feet are,” Davis said. “It’s close, but it’s far. I got to be present here and contribute to the Curve winning games, then it will be close. If I focus too much on it, it won’t be productive.”
“I don’t really have a say in it. I just play the best I can and when I’m ready, I hope they call my name.”