Oakland Athletics outfield prospect Ryan Lasko is recovering from C6-C7 spinal surgery after fracturing vertebrae in a collision with a teammate during a Double-A game, and currently has no sensation in his lower half.
Lasko, 24, was injured while playing center field for the Double-A Midland RockHounds. He dove to catch a ball, but collided with his right fielder, Devin Taylor, as they both landed.
While Taylor was able to get up and retrieve the ball, Lasko remained on the ground. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed fractured C6-C7 vertebrae, necessitating spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. According to MLB.com, Lasko was in stable condition following the procedure.
Despite the surgery, swelling has prevented Lasko from regaining feeling in his lower body thus far. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay expressed hope for Lasko's recovery, stating that "there’s hope the feeling comes back."
Lasko is considered one of the Athletics' promising prospects. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the franchise's No. 18 prospect entering the season. The Athletics drafted him in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Last season, he advanced from Double-A to Triple-A Las Vegas.
This season, Lasko has posted a .209 batting average with a .275 on-base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage. He has hit six home runs, recorded five triples, and driven in 34 runs.
