A’s minor-league outfielder Ryan Lasko says he’s making real progress less than a month after a frightening collision left him with a broken back.
Lasko posted an update Monday on Instagram, saying he’s feeling better and noticing movement and sensation returning. “Just wanted to give a quick update,” Lasko wrote in an Instagram story.
“I’m currently feeling much better. I have sensation from my feet up to my knees, along with a lot of involuntary leg movements.
I also have been getting some sensation in the side of my thighs, hamstrings, and back.
“I currently have about 75% usage of my left hand and about 50% in my right. I’m very happy with my progress and once again, so thankful for all the love and support. It has continued to help me get up every day and work my hardest.”
The update comes after Lasko’s June 30 injury in a game against the Frisco RoughRiders, when he and teammate Devin Taylor both went after a ball to right-center field off the bat of Frisco’s Dylan Dreiling and collided. Taylor got back up and handled the play, while Lasko stayed down.
RockHounds players and training staff rushed out to help him as he lay motionless before he was taken off on a stretcher and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. The Athletics said July 1 that Lasko had undergone spinal decompression and stabilization surgery after suffering a C6-C7 vertebra fracture.
The scene brought both teams together after the game, with players gathering in the infield and bowing their heads in support. A day later, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said Lasko had no feeling in the lower half of his body after surgery because of swelling in his spine.
Support for Lasko has continued across the organization. Players from the major-league club and every minor-league affiliate have been wearing “22 Strong” T-shirts during pregame warmups to honor his jersey number and back his rehab.
Lasko, 24, is now back home in Jackson, N.J., and recovering at a rehabilitation facility near his family, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
The A’s drafted Lasko in the second round in 2023 out of Rutgers. When he was hurt, he was hitting .209 with six home runs and 34 RBIs for Double-A Midland.
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