Athletics prospect Lasko stable after C6-C7 spinal surgery
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- Ryan Lasko underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery for a C6-C7 vertebra fracture suffered in a head-first collision with right fielder Devin Taylor while attempting a diving catch in center field for Double-A Midland, and is in stable condition.
- Lasko currently has no feeling in his lower half due to spinal swelling, though there is hope he will regain it over time, according to MLB.com.
- Taylor escaped the collision without major injury and quickly got up to pursue the ball after Lasko remained motionless on the ground and was stretchered off to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
- Lasko, 24, was the No. 41 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and ranked as the A's 23rd-best prospect entering the season, with Baseball America praising his 'high-energy, frenetic play style.'
- A's GM David Forst said the organization is supporting Lasko's family and credited Midland athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick for their on-field actions, while player development director Ed Sprague was traveling to be with Lasko and counseling will be made available to players.
Why it matters: A No. 41 overall pick just two years into his pro career now faces an entirely uncertain recovery timeline with no feeling below his waist — the A's lose a top-100 prospect whose aggressive, high-energy style was the defining feature of his scouting report, and whose return to the field depends entirely on how the spinal swelling resolves.
