Oakland Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is showing positive signs of recovery after sustaining a spinal injury during a collision earlier this month. Lasko, the organization's No. 18 prospect, fractured his C6-C7 vertebrae while playing center field for Double-A Midland.
In an update shared on social media, Lasko stated he is "feeling much better" and has regained sensation in his legs, from his feet up to his knees. He also reported experiencing involuntary leg movements and some sensation in the sides of his thighs, hamstrings, and back. Additionally, Lasko noted that he has approximately 75% usage in his left hand and 50% in his right.
"I'm very happy with my progress and once again, so thankful for all the love and support," Lasko wrote. "It has continued to help me get up every day and work my hardest."
The injury occurred when Lasko and right fielder Devin Taylor collided while attempting to field a ball hit into the gap. Lasko, 24, was on the ground for 10 minutes before being taken off the field in a cart and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano for surgery.
Lasko was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He advanced to Triple-A Las Vegas last season and entered the current season as the club's 18th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. This year, he has a .209 batting average with a .275 on-base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage, along with six home runs, five triples, and 34 RBIs.