Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko underwent surgery Tuesday night following a frightening collision during a Double-A game in Frisco, Texas. The outfielder suffered a fractured C6-C7 vertebra when he and teammate Devin Taylor both dove for a flyball, leaving Lasko motionless on the field. He had spinal decompression and stabilization surgery at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and was reported in stable condition.

Selected in the second round of the 2023 draft from Rutgers, Lasko was batting .209 with six homers and 34 RBIs for Midland this season. The 24-year-old showed promise in brief stints last year, appearing in 13 Triple-A games and posting a .357 average with nine stolen bases in the Arizona Fall League. This injury derails what looked like a potential September call-up.

Player development director Ed Sprague traveled to Frisco to support Lasko, and counseling was offered to teammates. While Lasko expressed gratitude for support and optimism about returning, spinal injuries typically require months of rehabilitation. The Athletics lose a depth outfield option during what was becoming a breakout season for the former Scarlet Knight.

Lasko's recovery timeline will determine whether he can resume his climb toward Oakland next season, but the organization's primary concern remains his long-term health after such a serious injury.