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

### Ryan Lasko Provides Positive Update on Recovery After Serious Injury

Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko has shared an uplifting message about his recovery, nearly a month on from a harrowing incident on the field that left him with a fractured vertebra. The 24-year-old outfielder updated his followers via Instagram, highlighting improvements in sensation and movement following surgery.

On June 30, during a game against the Frisco RoughRiders, Lasko experienced a serious collision with teammate Devin Taylor. The impact sent Lasko tumbling, and he remained motionless on the ground, prompting immediate medical attention. Following the accident, he was transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano for evaluation.

Medical assessments revealed that Lasko had sustained a fracture to his C6-C7 vertebrae. He subsequently underwent spinal decompression and stabilisation surgery. Manager Mark Kotsay later reported that, post-surgery, Lasko was stable but remained without feeling in his lower body due to swelling around his spine.

In a recent Instagram Stories post, Lasko conveyed that he has made significant progress in his recovery. “I’m currently feeling much better,” he wrote. According to Lasko, he has regained sensation from his feet to his knees, as well as experiencing involuntary movement in his legs. He further noted some sensation has returned to his thighs, hamstrings, and back, which has been a source of relief for him.

Lasko also addressed his recovery from hand injuries, stating he currently has approximately 75% functionality in his left hand and around 50% in his right. His sense of optimism is commendable, as he expressed gratitude for the support he has received, acknowledging its role in his motivation to rehabilitate and work hard each day.

Kotsay, who conveyed the team’s sentiments following the injury, expressed cautious optimism during a press briefing. He stated that while the situation was serious, doctors had not ruled out the possibility of Lasko regaining sensation over time. “There’s hope that the feeling comes back,” Kotsay remarked. The manager also called for prayers and support for Lasko, his family, and his teammates during what he described as an emotional time.

The Athletic, which has been closely following Lasko’s case, reports that the prognosis remains uncertain, yet hope persists as he continues his recovery. Signs of improvement may provide some encouragement not only for Lasko but also for healthcare professionals and fans alike, as they closely monitor his progress.

As a member of the Athletics’ Double-A affiliate Midland RockHounds, Lasko’s aspirations for a successful career in baseball remain intact despite the setback. Passionate about the game, he has built a solid reputation within the team and among fans. His resilience and determination are attributes that have been widely praised following the accident.

The journey ahead for Lasko may be long, filled with rehabilitation and therapy, but with his positive mindset and community support, there are aspirations that he will return to the field. His update has been met with an outpouring of support from the Athletics’ fan base, reflecting the close-knit nature of the sports community.

In the coming weeks and months, Lasko’s progress will be closely watched not only by his teammates and coaches but also by avid baseball fans who have rallied behind him. As he continues to work through his rehabilitation, many will hold onto hope for a full recovery and a return to the sport he loves.