Athletics Prospect Ryan Lasko Awaits Lower Half Sensation After Critical Spinal Surgery

Oakland Athletics outfield prospect Ryan Lasko, a 24-year-old rising star, is currently stable but unable to feel his lower body after undergoing urgent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. The procedure followed a frightening collision with teammate Devin Taylor during a Double-A game in Frisco, Texas, on Tuesday, where Lasko fractured his C6-C7 vertebra. This severe injury has put his promising baseball career on an immediate and uncertain pause. Lasko, ranked as the Athletics' No. 18 prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 23 by Baseball America, was in the middle of a solid season with the Double-A Midland RockHounds, even having played at Triple-A last year. The head-first collision with Taylor, who was also diving for a fly ball, left Lasko motionless on the field, highlighting the inherent risks in high-stakes athletic competition. His manager, Mark Kotsay, shared that while swelling is preventing sensation now, doctors are hopeful that feeling will return, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the gravity of the situation. Lasko himself confirmed on Instagram that he faces a 'lengthy process' of recovery but expressed hope to return to the sport he loves, thanking the organizations involved for their support. The Athletics' General Manager, David Forst, has been in touch with Lasko's family, ensuring the organization provides full medical and emotional resources, including counseling for players affected by the incident. The baseball world now watches anxiously for updates on his challenging journey back to health and, potentially, to the diamond.