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Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is recovering in stable condition after undergoing spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. The 24-year-old outfielder suffered a C6-C7 vertebra fracture during a game for the Double-A Midland RockHounds on Tuesday (June 30) when he collided head-first with teammate Devin Taylor while diving for a fly ball.
The incident occurred in the third inning of the series opener against the Frisco RoughRiders. After the collision, Taylor quickly got up to continue the play, but Lasko remained motionless on the field. Medical personnel attended to Lasko for about 20 minutes before he was carted off and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.
According to CBS Sports, Lasko currently lacks feeling in his lower half due to swelling around his spine, but doctors are hopeful he will regain it over time. The Athletics' General Manager, David Forst, expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the team's trainers and the paramedics on the scene, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to Noah Huff and Audy Merrick, our athletic trainers in Midland, for their on-field actions last night, as well as to the Frisco RoughRiders and the paramedics on the scene."
The Athletics have sent their Director of Player Development, Ed Sprague, to be with Lasko, and they are providing counseling for players affected by the incident. Lasko, a second-round pick out of Rutgers in 2023, is ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the A's organization by MLB Pipeline.
The RockHounds and RoughRiders are in the midst of a six-game series at Riders Field, with the RoughRiders winning Tuesday's game 7-6. Both teams gathered in a show of support for Lasko following the game. The Athletics will continue to provide updates on Lasko's condition as they become available.