Former New York Yankees first-round draft pick Ty Hensley is recovering from injuries sustained in a “brutal attack” during the holidays.
Hensley’s attorney, Jacob Diesselhorst, said Hensley was jumped from behind and beaten until he was unconscious at a home in suburban Oklahoma City.
Hensley, a right-handed pitcher, suffered facial injuries, including jaw fractures. No charges have been filed yet, but police are investigating.
“Ty is a strong young man and we’re confident once his injuries heal up that he’ll be back to himself,” Diesselhorst said. “He does have severe injuries, though.”
Hensley’s agent, Rob Martin, issued a statement that read:
“On behalf of Ty Hensley and his family, we are able to confirm that Ty was hospitalized after being brutally attacked and assaulted over the holidays in Oklahoma City.
“Ty was treated and released from the hospital and is presently recovering at home from the injuries he sustained after being knocked unconscious in this vicious attack. Ty and his family are grateful for all of the support, thoughts and prayers he’s received from friends, fans and well-wishers. We respectfully request privacy during this difficult time.
“For those of us that know Ty best, this attack was shocking and disturbing both in its severity as well as the fact that it could not have happened to a nicer, more good-natured young man. While Ty always handles adversity remarkably well, he’s taken it to a new level in meeting this challenge head-on. His pain tolerance, attitude and determination to get back on the mound as soon as possible are literally off the charts. This is a young man with rare character and unbelievable toughness.”
The 21-year-old Hensley was the 30th overall pick in the 2012 draft. After missing the 2013 season because of hip and hernia surgery, he returned last year to post a 0-0 record with a 2.93 ERA in 30 2/3 innings for the Yankees’ Rookie League and low-Class A teams.
