Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is in stable condition after undergoing back surgery following a frightening collision in a Double-A game in Frisco, Texas.
Doctors performed a spinal decompression and stabilization operation Tuesday night at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to treat a fractured C6-C7 vertebra. The procedure came after Lasko and teammate Devin Taylor collided while both diving for a fly ball.
Lasko remained motionless on the field after the play, a scene that quickly shifted concern away from the game and toward his immediate medical care. The Athletics said they are continuing to support the 24-year-old outfielder and his family as he recovers.
Organization support and medical response
In a statement Wednesday, Athletics general manager David Forst said he had been in touch with Lasko’s mother, Patti, and passed along the team’s support. He also thanked Midland athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick for their on-field actions, along with the Frisco RoughRiders and the paramedics who responded.
Forst added that player development director Ed Sprague was traveling to Frisco, and counseling would be available to players. The organization said it was encouraged by updates from Dr. Jonathan Poggi, who performed the operation.
Lasko’s path through the Athletics system
Lasko, who was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft out of Rutgers, has split time across the upper levels of the system. He was batting .209 with six homers, 34 RBI and a .635 OPS for Double-A Midland this season.
He also appeared in 13 games at Triple-A Las Vegas last year and played 21 games in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .357 with nine stolen bases. The injury now puts his immediate playing future on hold while the Athletics monitor his recovery.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Ryan Lasko |
| Team level | Double-A Midland |
| Injury | Fractured C6-C7 vertebra |
| Procedure | Spinal decompression and stabilization surgery |
| Doctor | Dr. Jonathan Poggi |