Oakland Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko remains in stable condition after undergoing spinal surgery on Tuesday night. The procedure was necessary to address a fractured C6-C7 vertebra sustained during a Double-A baseball game in Frisco, Texas. Frisco is located approximately 12 miles south of Celina.
The injury occurred when Lasko and his teammate, Devin Taylor, collided while attempting to catch a fly ball. Both players dove for the ball, and Lasko remained motionless on the field immediately after the play. Dr. Jonathan Poggi performed the spinal decompression and stabilization operation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
Athletics general manager David Forst issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the player's status and expressing gratitude for the medical response. Forst noted that he has been in contact with Lasko’s mother, Patti, to convey the organization’s support. He specifically thanked Midland athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick, the Frisco RoughRiders staff, and local paramedics for their actions at the scene.
The organization plans to provide counseling to players following the incident. Player development director Ed Sprague is traveling to Frisco to assist with this process. Forst stated that the team’s medical staff will continue to support Lasko’s recovery, citing encouraging updates from Dr. Poggi.
Lasko, 24, was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft out of Rutgers University. He currently plays outfield for the Double-A Midland team. This season, he has recorded a .209 batting average, six home runs, 34 runs batted in, and a .635 on-base plus slugging percentage across his appearances for Midland.