Full Breakdown
Ryan Lasko Shows Signs of Recovery After Spinal Injury
7/28/2026, 2:21:08 PM
Injury and Immediate Aftermath
On June 30, 24-year-old outfielder Ryan Lasko was playing center field for the Double-A Midland RockHounds when he and right fielder Devin Taylor dove for a fly ball and collided. Lasko lay motionless on the field for roughly ten minutes before being carted to a hospital in Plano, Texas. Surgeons performed spinal decompression and stabilization that night to treat a fractured C6-C7 vertebra. At the time, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay explained that swelling around the spine had eliminated feeling in Lasko’s lower half and that doctors could not yet rule out the possibility of regaining sensation.
Recovery Progress
Four weeks later, Lasko posted an update on Instagram Stories, stating that sensation has returned from his feet up to his knees, along with involuntary leg movements and partial feeling in his thighs, hamstrings and back. He also reported about 75 % usage of his left hand and roughly 50 % in his right. Kotsay later told reporters that Lasko’s condition was “stable” and that the medical team remained hopeful about further neurological improvement.
Data & Statistics
- Batting performance before the injury: .209 average, six home runs, 34 RBIs, .635 OPS in 73 games for Midland.
- Minor-league experience: 13 games at Triple-A Las Vegas (2025) and 21 Arizona Fall League games, where he hit .357 with nine stolen bases.
- Prospect ranking: MLB Pipeline lists Lasko as the Athletics’ No. 27 prospect, down from No. 18 at the time of his injury.
Team Support and Community Response
The Athletics organization has rallied around Lasko, producing “22 Strong” T-shirts bearing his name and number. Teammates Tommy White and Alika Williams were photographed wearing the shirts before a July 22 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Manager Mark Kotsay publicly thanked fans for their prayers and encouraged continued support, noting that the outpouring of goodwill has helped Lasko stay motivated during rehabilitation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just wanted to give a quick update! I’m currently feeling much better,” — Ryan Lasko — Ryan Lasko, Athletics prospect
- “I’d like to thank everyone for the well wishes & prayers,” — Ryan Lasko — Ryan Lasko, Athletics prospect
- “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,” — Mark Kotsay. Mark Kotsay, a’s manager — Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager
- “There’s hope that the feeling comes back,” — Mark Kotsay. Mark Kotsay, a’s manager — Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager
- “Send prayers to him, his family, to the teammate and the team,” — Mark Kotsay. Mark Kotsay, a’s manager — Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager
These statements capture Lasko’s personal optimism and Kotsay’s perspective on the injury’s seriousness, the ongoing hope for neurological recovery, and the broader community’s encouragement.
