Athletics minor league infielder Ryan Lasko collided with his Double-A Midland teammate, Devin Taylor, during a June 30 game.
The two players were both trying to catch a ball in the right-center gap when they collided. Taylor was unharmed and retrieved the ball, while Lasko stayed down and remained there for about 10 minutes before being helped off the field.
Lasko was hospitalized immediately at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, where it was discovered that he suffered a fracture of the C6-C7 vertebra in his spine. He underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery, but still has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
MLB.com A’s beat reporter Martín Gallegos shared a photo of Lasko smiling and holding up a peace sign on Wednesday to his X account.
Lasko had a neck brace in the photo, which was captioned, “A’s manager Mark Kotsay wanted to share this photo today of Ryan Lasko, who is in good spirits with his family in New Jersey.”
There’s currently no update on Lasko’s recovery, as it’s too early in the process to make any accurate determinations. But there’s optimism among the franchise that he’ll regain feeling in his legs.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the well wishes & prayers,” Lasko wrote on Instagram two weeks ago. “I truly feel so loved and appreciated by everyone that has reached out. 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 entire Athletics’ organization has rallied around Lasko, including every team wearing “22 Strong” t-shirts that included Lasko’s name and number on the back on Wednesday.
The Athletics’ organization has been dealt a brutal hand when it comes to scary and uncommon injuries this season, as infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer needed surgery after suffering a ruptured testicle during a game earlier this week.
