MLB Prospect Shares Update After Breaking His Back in Terrifying On-Field Collision with Teammate

Ryan Lasko of the Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium Credit: Chris Coduto/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko says he has regained sensation in parts of his legs nearly a month after a frightening on-field collision

The 24-year-old fractured his C6-C7 vertebrae and underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery following the collision

Lasko said he is “very happy” with his progress and thanked supporters for helping motivate his recovery

Ryan Lasko is sharing an encouraging update on his recovery nearly a month after a frightening on-field collision left him with a fractured vertebra and without feeling in the lower half of his body.

The 24-year-old Athletics prospect revealed in an Instagram Stories post on Monday, July 27, that he has regained sensation in parts of his legs and has seen improvement in the use of both hands following the June 30 collision.

“Just wanted to give a quick update! I’m currently feeling much better,” Lasko wrote. “I have sensation from my feet up to my knees, along with a lot of involuntary leg movements. I also have been getting some sensation in the side of my thighs, hamstrings, and back.”

Lasko also shared an update on his hands, writing, “I currently have about 75% usage of my left hand and about 50% in my right.”

Ryan Lasko of the Mesa Solar Sox takes a lead off third base during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Surprise Stadium Credit: Brandon Sloter/Getty

“I’m very happy with my progress and once again, so thankful for all the love and support,” he continued. “It has continued to help me get up everyday and work my hardest.”

The update comes weeks after Lasko, an outfielder for the Athletics’ Double-A affiliate Midland RockHounds, was critically injured during a game against the Frisco RoughRiders.

Lasko collided with teammate Devin Taylor in the third inning as the two made a play for the ball. Lasko remained motionless on the field following the collision and was taken off on a stretcher before being transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.

Following medical evaluation, doctors determined that Lasko had fractured his C6-C7 vertebra, and he subsequently underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery, according to The Athletic .

The following day, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Lasko was stable after surgery but explained that swelling around his spine had resulted in a loss of feeling in his lower body.

“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 told reporters on July 1 in a video shared by ABC’s Kevin John.

Ryan Lasko of the Mesa Solar Sox looks in the dugout during the game between the Mesa Solar Sox and the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Sports Complex Credit: Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty

At the time, Kotsay said doctors had not ruled out the possibility that Lasko could regain sensation.

“There’s hope that the feeling comes back,” Kotsay said. “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, to the teammate and the team,” Kotsay added. “It’s an emotional time for them.”

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