Baseball Prospect Regains Feeling After Scary Injury

A baseball player who couldn't feel his legs after a terrifying on-field collision is now walking the road to recovery with remarkable progress.

Ryan Lasko, the Oakland Athletics' 18th-ranked prospect, fractured his C6-C7 vertebrae earlier this month when he collided with teammate Devin Taylor while chasing a fly ball during a Double-A game in Midland. The 24-year-old center fielder lay motionless on the field for 10 minutes before being carted off and rushed to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano for emergency surgery.

The initial prognosis was frightening. Lasko had no feeling in his legs after the impact.

But this week, Lasko shared news that has the baseball community celebrating. He now has sensation from his feet to his knees, along with involuntary leg movements that signal his nerves are healing. He's also regaining feeling in his thighs, hamstrings, and back.

His hands are recovering too. Lasko reports having about 75% usage of his left hand and 50% in his right, meaningful progress for someone whose career depends on those very hands.

Why This Inspires

Lasko's journey shows the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit. Just weeks ago, doctors were racing to stabilize his spine. Today, he's working hard in rehabilitation with measurable improvements happening regularly.

The outpouring of support from the baseball community has been overwhelming. Lasko credits the love from fans, teammates, and strangers with motivating him to push through the difficult days of recovery. Every message and prayer has fueled his determination to work harder.

The second-round draft pick from 2023 was having a solid season before the injury, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A with six home runs and 34 RBI. But right now, statistics don't matter. What matters is that a young man who faced a life-altering injury is defying the odds.

Lasko's positive attitude shines through his updates. He expresses gratitude for his progress and thanks everyone who has supported him during this challenging time.

The road ahead will be long, and questions about his baseball future remain unanswered. But for now, every bit of sensation returning is a victory worth celebrating.