Injury Update: Athletics’ Ryan Lasko Struggles After Collision

The Oakland Athletics’ promising outfielder, Ryan Lasko, is facing serious challenges after undergoing spinal surgery. This surgery was a result of a brutal collision with a teammate in Double-A, which left Lasko without feeling in his lower body.

The incident occurred while Lasko, just 24, was diving for a catch in center field during a game against the Midland Rockhounds. Unfortunately, his teammate in right field was also making a play for the same ball, leading to an unavoidable collision as they both hit the ground.

While Devin Taylor, his teammate, managed to get up and control the ball, Lasko remained on the ground. It was later confirmed that he had fractured his C6-C7 vertebrae. Following the injury, he underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery, which, according to reports, was successful. However, due to swelling, he still hasn’t regained sensation in his lower body.

Athletics coach Mark Coetzee expressed hope for Lasko’s recovery, saying, “I hope he gets his feeling back.” Lasko is regarded as one of the top prospects within the Athletics organization. He was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft and began the current season with high expectations.

Although he started the year in Double-A, Lasko had made significant advancements by joining Triple-A Las Vegas in the previous season. Currently, his statistics show a batting average of .209 with six home runs, five triples, and 34 RBIs.