Athletics prospect has feeling back in his legs after breaking back in scary outfield collision

The Athletics prospect who broke his back in a scary collision, Ryan Lasko, has regained feeling in his legs, he posted on social media on Monday.

Lasko collided with minor league teammate Devin Taylor during a game in Texas four weeks ago and had surgery on June 30 to address a fractured C6-C7 vertebra.

“I’m currently feeling much better,” Lasko wrote in an Instagram Story on Monday. “I have sensation from my feet up to my knees, along with a lot of involuntary leg movements. I also have been getting some sensation in the side of my thighs, hamstrings and back. I currently have about 75% usage of my left hand and about 50% in my right.

“I’m very happy with my progress and once again, so very thankful for all the love and support. It has continued to help me get up everyday and work my hardest.”

The update comes one week after Athletics manager Mark Kotsay shared a photo with MLB.com A’s beat reporter Martín Gallego of Lasko holding up a peace sign in a neck brace.

Kotsay told Gallego that Lasko was in good spirits with his family in New Jersey.

Lasko also gave an update on Instagram two weeks prior to that.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the well wishes & prayers,” Lasko wrote. “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 hope to be able to get back to doing what I love. Thank you all again.”

Lasko and Taylor collided while diving for a fly ball while playing for Double-A Midland RockHounds. 

Lasko remained motionless on the field for around 10 minutes after the play.

The Athletics drafted the 24-year-old in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft after a stint with Rutgers.

Lasko batted .209 with six homers, 34 RBIs and a .635 OPS for Midland this season. He has also appeared in 13 games for Triple-A Las Vegas, as well as 21 games in the Arizona Fall League for promising prospects.