Rutgers Alum Ryan Lasko Undergoes Emergency Spinal Surgery After Frightening Collision in Double-A Game
A frightening on-field collision during a minor league baseball game has left former Rutgers standout Ryan Lasko recovering from emergency spinal surgery after suffering a serious neck injury. The New Jersey native is now in stable condition, but team officials say he currently does not have feeling in the lower half of his body because of swelling around his spine.
The injury happened during Tuesday night’s Double-A game in Texas between the Midland RockHounds and the Frisco RoughRiders. Lasko, an outfielder in the Athletics’ minor league system, was attempting to catch a fly ball when he collided with teammate Devin Taylor. Both players dove for the ball at the same time, leading to a violent impact.
Following the collision, Taylor was able to get back on his feet, but Lasko remained motionless on the field. Medical personnel responded immediately before he was carefully taken off the field on a cart and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano for emergency treatment.
Doctors later confirmed that Lasko had suffered a fracture involving the C6 and C7 vertebrae in his neck. He underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery and is currently listed in stable condition.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay shared an update on Lasko’s condition, explaining that the loss of feeling in his lower body is related to swelling in his spine. While the situation remains serious, he also said there is reason to remain hopeful because doctors have not ruled out the possibility that feeling could return over time.
According to Kotsay, recovery from this type of injury will require patience, and the medical team continues to monitor Lasko’s condition closely. He emphasized that there has been no definitive medical conclusion stating that Lasko will permanently lose feeling in the lower half of his body, offering encouragement to his family, teammates, and supporters.
The Athletics organization also released a statement expressing its support for Lasko and his family during this difficult time. General manager David Forst said he has been in contact with Lasko’s mother, Patti, to offer the organization’s full support and to let the family know that everyone throughout the Athletics system is thinking of them.
Forst also thanked Midland athletic trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick for their quick response on the field, along with the Frisco RoughRiders organization and the emergency medical personnel who assisted immediately after the accident. Their rapid actions helped ensure Lasko received urgent medical care as quickly as possible.
Lasko is well known to baseball fans in New Jersey after building an impressive career at Rutgers from 2021 through 2023. His performance with the Scarlet Knights helped establish him as one of the program’s top players before he entered professional baseball.
His strong college career led to the Athletics selecting him in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft. Since joining the organization, he has continued working his way through the club’s minor league system.
Last season, Lasko appeared in 13 games for Triple-A Las Vegas before returning to Double-A Midland this year. During the current season, he has been batting .209 with six home runs, 34 runs batted in, and a .635 OPS while continuing his development as a professional outfielder.
The sudden injury has brought concern throughout the baseball community, with teammates, coaches, and fans hoping for positive progress in the days and weeks ahead. Although his recovery is expected to be a long process, the latest medical update offers hope that the spinal swelling may improve over time.
For now, Lasko remains under medical care as doctors continue evaluating his condition following surgery. The Athletics organization has pledged its continued support while the New Jersey native focuses on his recovery from one of the most serious injuries of his baseball career.
Sources
- MLB.com
- Athletics Baseball Club (Official MLB Organization)