Lasko's Stable Recovery
A's prospect Ryan Lasko in stable condition after fractured vertebra surgery
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Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is in stable condition after emergency back surgery Tuesday night, following a violent collision with teammate Devin Taylor during a Double-A game in Frisco, Texas. AP News reported that Dr. Jonathan Poggi performed spinal decompression and stabilization surgery at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano after an MRI revealed a fractured C6-C7 vertebra.
The 24-year-old outfielder was carted off the field on a stretcher and taken by ambulance after remaining motionless following the head-first collision. A's general manager David Forst confirmed the surgery was successful and said the organization is fully behind Lasko's recovery.
Two Prospects Dive, One Doesn't Get Up
In the bottom of the third inning, a ball was hit into the right-center field gap. Both Lasko, a center fielder, and right fielder Devin Taylor dove head-first for it at the same time. The collision was immediate and violent. Taylor was able to get up, retrieve the ball, and throw it back to the infield. Lasko did not move, according to FOX 4 Dallas.
Midland trainers Noah Huff and Audy Merrick rushed onto the field to treat Lasko. Forst specifically praised their quick actions. "We are incredibly grateful to Noah Huff and Audy Merrick for their on-field actions last night," he said. Lasko was stabilized on a stretcher and taken away by ambulance as the stadium fell silent.
C6-C7 Fracture: What the Injury Means
A C6-C7 fracture is a break in two vertebrae in the lower neck. It often happens when a person's head absorbs a direct downward force — exactly the kind of impact a head-first dive can cause. Dr. Poggi performed emergency surgery to decompress and stabilize the spine, AP News reported. The surgery was completed Tuesday night.
Medical experts say a full recovery from this type of fracture takes at least 9 to 12 months before a return to sport can even be considered. For an outfielder who must dive and twist at full speed, the long-term outlook is described as "cautiously optimistic" at best. Lasko's path to the majors — projected for late 2027 — is now significantly delayed.
A Prayer Circle and a Community in Shock
After the game ended, players from both the Midland RockHounds and the Frisco RoughRiders gathered on the field in a prayer circle near the pitcher's mound. FOX 4 Dallas called it a rare moment of unity in a competitive minor league environment. A's Director of Player Development Ed Sprague traveled to Frisco to support the remaining Midland players in person.
The A's also made mental health counselors available to the Midland roster. Forst said he spoke directly with Lasko's mother, Patti, to relay the organization's full support. The team confirmed it will assist with every aspect of Lasko's recovery going forward.
Lasko's Stats and What the A's Lose
Lasko was the A's 41st overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Rutgers, signing for $1.7 million, according to Baseball America. He was ranked among the organization's top 20 prospects. In 2026 with Double-A Midland, he was hitting .209 with 6 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .635 OPS before the injury.
Teammate Devin Taylor, a 2025 second-round pick, had been one of the hotter hitters in the system, posting a .304 average, 10 home runs, and an .882 OPS. With Lasko out for the foreseeable future, FanGraphs notes the A's farm system loses one of its few center-field prospects, potentially forcing the promotion of others like Henry Bolte or Rodney Green Jr.
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