Athletics’ No. 18 prospect Ryan Lasko suffered a devastating injury during a Double-A game on Tuesday. The 24-year-old center fielder for the Midland RockHounds (the Athletics’ Double-A affiliate) collided with teammate Devin Taylor in the outfield during the third inning of the game against the Frisco RoughRiders. Both were diving for a fly ball in right-center field.
After the collision, he remained motionless and received medical treatment for approximately 20 minutes before being carted off the field on a stretcher and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.
According to A’s beat reporter Martin Gallegos, Lasko is in stable condition. Dr. Jonathan Poggi performed spinal decompression and stabilization surgery resulting from a C6 – C7 vertebra fracture on Wednesday night.
The reporter also shared the statement received from A’s general manager, David Forst. The A’s GM has connected with Lasko’s mother regarding the incident. He also gave shout-outs to athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick for their prompt action following the devastating collision.
“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,” Frost said. “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.
Frost also shared his thoughts on the medical update coming from Dr. Poggi and shared that all players will be assured of mental health professionals after such a tragic incident.
“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,” Frost continued. “Ed Sprague, Director of Player Development, will be arriving in Frisco shortly, and our mental health professionals will be available to the Midland players to make sure they receive any help they need.
“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.”
A’s Manager Shares Major Injury Update on Ryan Lasko
On Wednesday, A’s manager Mark Kotsay talked about Ryan Lasko’s injury with reporters. It was an “unfortunate” result of aggressive play from both outfielders on the field, per the manager.
Kotsay also noted that Lasko is “stable” after neck surgery, but there is no feeling in his lower half.
“The unfortunate part of that injury is that the swelling in the spine is to an extent where he doesn’t have feeling in his lower half,” Kotsay said.
Kotsay also mentioned that the medical professionals have not completely ruled out the possibility that the feeling in the lower half will return.
“There’s hope that the feeling comes back,” he continued. “It’s obviously going to take time, but a positive statement from the doctor is that there isn’t a definitive statement saying he’s not going to regain feeling in his lower half. Send prayers to him, his family, the teammate, and the team. It’s an emotional time for them.”
The initial prognosis is sobering. For now, Lasko faces a lengthy recovery following the spinal surgery, and there is currently no timetable for a return to baseball.
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