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Athletics outfielder Ryan Lasko undergoes spinal surgery after collision

7/2/2026

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Summary

Lasko Undergoes Surgery

Athletics outfielder Ryan Lasko underwent spinal surgery after a C6-C7 fracture from a collision with Devin Taylor on Tuesday.
Dr. Jonathan Poggi performed decompression and stabilization at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.
Lasko remains stable but cannot feel his lower half because of swelling, with doctors saying sensation may return.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay asked fans to pray for Lasko while player development director Ed Sprague traveled to Texas.

Summary

Lasko Injured

Injury sidelines Lasko, a 2023 second-round draft pick and top-20 prospect, delaying his major-league timeline.
He spent 2026 with Double-A Midland RockHounds after Triple-A and Arizona Fall League stints, hitting .357 with nine steals.
The Athletics will make mental-health professionals available to Midland players, reflecting a broader focus on wellbeing.
Losing his .209 average, six home runs and .635 OPS removes a key offensive contributor from the RockHounds lineup.

History

Historical Context

In August 2013 the NFL agreed to a $765 million settlement covering about 4,500 former players, forcing the league to fund medical exams and research. The deal spurred other leagues, and MLB now expands medical staff and injury-management rules, a shift highlighted by the Oakland Athletics’ handling of prospect Ryan Lasko’s spinal fracture.

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Lasko Undergoes Surgery

Athletics outfielder Ryan Lasko underwent spinal surgery after a C6-C7 fracture from a collision with Devin Taylor on Tuesday.
Dr. Jonathan Poggi performed decompression and stabilization at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.
Lasko remains stable but cannot feel his lower half because of swelling, with doctors saying sensation may return.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay asked fans to pray for Lasko while player development director Ed Sprague traveled to Texas.

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