Oakland Athletics outfield prospect Ryan Lasko underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery on Wednesday after fracturing his C6-C7 vertebra in a frightening outfield collision with a teammate during a minor league game. The 24-year-old currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body, though his surgeon said there is hope for recovery.
Collision During Double-A Game
The incident occurred Tuesday during a game between the Athletics' double-A affiliate, the Midland RockHounds, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm club, the Frisco RoughRiders, in Frisco, Texas. Lasko, playing centre field, and right fielder Devin Taylor both dove headfirst for a fly ball hit toward the right-centre gap, colliding violently.
Lasko remained on the field for approximately 10 minutes before being carted off and taken to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. He was diagnosed with a fracture of the C6-C7 vertebrae and underwent surgery performed by Dr. Jonathan Poggi.
Surgeon Offers Hope Despite Paralysis
Dr. Poggi indicated that while Lasko currently has no sensation in his lower body, there is a possibility he may regain feeling, though recovery is expected to take a significant amount of time. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay relayed the surgeon's cautious optimism.
“The positive in the statement from the doctor is that there is not a definitive statement saying he’s not going to regain feeling in his lower half,” Kotsay said. “We send prayers to him, to his family, to his teammate, and the team, really. This is a trying and emotional time for them. We need to be there to support them, and I know we are.”
Kotsay added that members of the Athletics organization, Lasko's family, and teammates plan to visit and support the injured player.
Prospect Profile
Lasko is rated the No. 18 prospect in the Athletics system by MLB Pipeline. He was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Rutgers University. In 73 games this season with Midland, he posted a batting average of .209. Despite the modest offensive numbers, he impressed coaches and scouts during Spring Training with his defence, which some described as “elite,” according to MLB.com.
“He’s a competitor,” Kotsay said. “He’s emotional. Both of those things, I can vividly recall just being around him. And then just his passion for baseball. The biggest thing we can all do is hope and pray that he recovers the feeling in his lower half and always be there to support him.”
Organization Responds
Athletics general manager David Forst issued a statement thanking the team's athletic trainers and local paramedics for their swift response, and expressing support for Lasko and his family.
“I’ve been in touch with Ryan’s mom, Patti, to pass along the organization’s support and to let her know that all of us, throughout our system, have them in our thoughts and prayers,” Forst said. “We are incredibly grateful to Noah Huff and Audy Merrick, our athletic trainers in Midland, for their on-field actions last night, as well as to the Frisco RoughRiders and the paramedics on the scene. We are encouraged by the reports and updates from Dr. Poggi and we will continue to put all of the resources of our medical staff towards supporting Ryan and his recovery. We ask that you respect the privacy of the Lasko family and our players at this time. We will provide medical updates as they become available.”
