Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay shared an update on the condition of minor league infielder Ryan Lasko, who sustained a serious spinal injury during a game on June 30. Lasko was hospitalized after colliding with his Double-A Midland teammate, Devin Taylor, while both players attempted to field a ball in the right-center gap. Taylor was unharmed, but Lasko remained on the ground for approximately 10 minutes before being helped off the field.
At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, it was determined that Lasko suffered a fracture of the C6-C7 vertebra in his spine. He underwent surgery for spinal decompression and stabilization. According to reports, Lasko currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
A photo shared on July 24 by MLB.com A’s beat reporter Martín Gallegos showed Lasko in a neck brace, smiling and giving a peace sign. Gallegos noted that Lasko was with his family in New Jersey and in good spirits. There is currently no definitive timeline for Lasko's recovery, as it is still early in the process. However, the franchise expressed optimism about his potential to regain feeling in his legs.
Lasko himself posted on Instagram two weeks prior to the update, thanking those who had reached out. "I truly feel so loved and appreciated by everyone that has reached out," he wrote. "I am doing well and on the road to recovery. This is going to be a lengthy process but I hop to be able to get back to doing what I love. Thank you all again."
The Athletics organization has shown support for Lasko, with all teams wearing "22 Strong" t-shirts bearing his name and number on Wednesday. The organization has faced several unusual and serious injuries this season, including infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, who required surgery for a ruptured testicle earlier in the week.