Athletics top prospect Ryan Lasko was hospitalized after a terrifying outfield collision with teammate Devin Taylor during a Double-A game Tuesday.
Lasko, 24, was playing center field for the Midland RockHounds when he and Taylor both dove for a ball hit into the gap.
The two players collided at full speed, leaving Lasko on the ground for about 10 minutes.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
He was eventually placed on a cart and taken from the field before being transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
Doctors later determined that Lasko had suffered a fracture to the C6-C7 vertebrae in his neck.
He underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery and was listed in stable condition.
According to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, Lasko currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
“The positive in the statement from the doctor is that there is not a definitive statement saying he’s not going to regain feeling in his lower half,” Kotsay said before Wednesday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kotsay said the entire organization is rallying around Lasko, his family and his teammates during what he described as an emotional and difficult time.
“We send prayers to him, to his family, to his teammate and the team, really,” Kotsay said. “This is a trying and emotional time for them.”
Athletics director of player development Ed Sprague flew to Texas on Wednesday to be with Lasko and his family.
Kotsay said Lasko’s teammates also planned to visit him and offer their support.
Lasko was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft after starring at Rutgers University.
He also spent time with the major league club during spring training, where coaches were reportedly impressed by his defensive ability in the outfield.
The organization has not provided a timetable for his recovery.