Oakland Athletics outfield prospect Ryan Lasko remains without feeling in his lower half after undergoing emergency spinal surgery to repair fractured vertebrae sustained in a frightening collision with a teammate during a Double-A game. The 24-year-old, considered one of the organization's top prospects, was injured while playing center field for the Midland RockHounds when he and right fielder Devin Taylor both dove for a catch and collided on the turf.
Taylor was able to get up and field the ball, but Lasko stayed on the ground after the heavy impact. He was carted off the field and later diagnosed with a fracture of the C6-C7 vertebra, according to. The injury required spinal decompression and stabilization surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine. While the surgery was successful and Lasko is in stable condition, swelling has prevented him from regaining sensation in his lower body.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay addressed the injury on Wednesday, expressing cautious optimism. Kotsay said that «there's hope the feeling comes back,» though he did not provide a timeline for recovery. The team and Lasko's family are awaiting further medical evaluations as the swelling subsides.
Lasko entered the 2025 season ranked as the Athletics' No. 18 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He was selected by the organization in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Rutgers University. After opening the season with Double-A Midland, Lasko had previously earned a promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas in 2024, demonstrating his rapid development within the system.
This season, Lasko was batting.209 with a.275 on-base percentage and a.360 slugging percentage. He had recorded six home runs, five triples, and 34 runs batted in across his time in Double-A. Known for his athleticism and defensive range in the outfield, Lasko's aggressive play on the catch reflected the same determination that has made him a rising prospect.
The collision occurred during a routine play when both outfielders converged on a fly ball. Such collisions are rare but can result in serious injuries, particularly when players are running at full speed with eyes fixed on the ball. The incident has drawn attention to the physical risks inherent in baseball, especially for outfielders who often cover large distances and compete for catches in open space.
Lasko's injury is the latest in a series of notable on-field incidents this season. Earlier this month, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Dane Myers was carted off the field after crashing into a wall while making an acrobatic catch against the Milwaukee Brewers. Myers sustained a leg injury but avoided spinal damage. These events have sparked discussions about player safety and the need for protective measures, though baseball remains a sport where full-speed collisions are an accepted risk.
The Athletics organization has not released a formal statement on Lasko's prognosis, but team officials have indicated they are providing full medical support. Lasko's family has requested privacy as he begins the recovery process. The prospect's future in baseball will depend on the extent of neurological recovery, which doctors will monitor closely in the coming days and weeks.
Spinal injuries in professional sports are relatively uncommon but carry significant consequences. The C6-C7 region of the cervical spine is particularly vulnerable because it supports the neck and allows for head movement. Fractures in this area can lead to temporary or permanent loss of function below the level of injury, depending on the severity of the damage and the success of surgical intervention.
Lasko's teammates and coaches have expressed support, with many taking to social media to wish him a full recovery. The Midland RockHounds organization has also offered assistance to his family during this difficult time. The broader baseball community has rallied around Lasko, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even among rival teams.
As Lasko begins the long road to recovery, the Athletics and their fans are hoping for positive news in the coming weeks. The team's medical staff will continue to evaluate his condition, and updates are expected as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on Lasko's health and well-being, with baseball concerns taking a back seat to his personal recovery.
