Ryan Lasko, one of the Athletics’ top prospects, underwent neck surgery on Wednesday after suffering a severe neck injury in a scary outfield collision with a teammate.
The incident occurred during a game Tuesday between the Athletics’ double-A affiliate based in Midland, Tex., and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm club in Frisco.
Lasko, who was playing centre field, was chasing down a fly ball hit towards the right-centre gap, when both he and right fielder Devin Taylor dove headfirst for the ball.
The teammates collided, causing Lasko to suffer a C6-C7 vertebra fracture. He remained down on the field for roughly 10 minutes before being carted off and taken to hospital, where he underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery.
Will Ryan Lasko walk again?
Despite the effort of the doctors and surgeons at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Lasko currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
However, Dr. Jonathan Poggi, who performed the surgery, said there is hope that Lasko will regain feeling, though it is expected to take a significant amount of time.
“The positive in the statement from the doctor is that there is not a definitive statement saying he’s not going to regain feeling in his lower half,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “We send prayers to him, to his family, to his teammate, and the team, really. This is a trying and emotional time for them. We need to be there to support them, and I know we are.”
Kotsay also noted that members of the Athletics organization, Lasko’s family and teammates will visit and show support for the injured 24-year-old.
Who is Ryan Lasko?
Lasko is rated the No. 18 prospect of the Athletics by MLB Pipeline after being selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Rutgers University.
In 73 games this season, he posted a batting average of .209 in Midland through 73 games. He had impressed the A’s coaching staff and scouts during Spring Training this year with his defence, which some touted as “elite,” according to MLB.com.
“He’s a competitor,” Kotsay said. “He’s emotional. Both of those things, I can vividly recall just being around him. And then just his passion for baseball.
“The biggest thing we can all do is hope and pray that he recovers the feeling in his lower half and always be there to support him.”
Athletics general manager David Forst also commented on Lasko’s status while also thanking the team’s trainers and local paramedics for their fast actions on the scene.
“I’ve been in touch with Ryan’s mom, Patti, to pass along the organization’s support and to let her know that all of us, throughout our system, have them in our thoughts and prayers,” Forst said in a statement.
“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. We are encouraged by the reports and updates from Dr. Poggi and we will continue to put all of the resources of our medical staff towards supporting Ryan and his recovery.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of the Lasko family and our players at this time. We will provide medical updates as they become available.”