Ryan Lasko, an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics organization, is recovering in stable condition after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebra. The injury occurred during a Double-A game in Frisco, Texas, which is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Plano. Lasko, 24, was playing for the Midland RockHounds when he collided with teammate Devin Taylor 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 a spinal decompression and stabilization procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. The operation addressed a fracture at the C6–C7 level of Lasko’s cervical spine. Athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick, who were present in Midland, provided on-field assistance before the surgery took place in Plano.
Oakland Athletics General Manager David Forst issued a statement confirming the organization’s support for Lasko and his family. Forst noted that he has been in contact with Lasko’s mother, Patti, to convey the team’s thoughts and prayers. He expressed gratitude to the athletic trainers, the Frisco RoughRiders organization, and the local paramedics for their response to the incident.
Forst stated that the team is encouraged by medical updates from Dr. Poggi and will continue to allocate resources toward Lasko’s recovery. Player development director Ed Sprague is traveling to Frisco to oversee the situation. The organization has made counseling services available to players who were involved in or witnessed the collision.
Lasko was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft out of Rutgers University. In the current season with Midland, he has appeared in games with a batting average of .209, six home runs, 34 runs batted in, and an on-base plus slugging percentage of .635. Last year, he played 13 games at the Triple-A level with the Las Vegas Aviators and participated in the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .357 with nine stolen bases across 21 games.
