Paralyzed Athletics Prospect Lasko Leaves Rehabilitation Hospital

Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko, 24, has been discharged from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey and will continue intensive outpatient treatment at home. Lasko suffered a spinal cord injury and fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae on June 30 when he collided with teammate Devin Taylor while pursuing a fly ball for Double-A Midland, requiring spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. He remains paralyzed from the chest down and has weakness in both arms, particularly his throwing arm, but has begun experiencing feeling and tingling in his legs and remains hopeful about further recovery. Rehabilitation staff marked his departure with a farewell “clap out,” while Lasko said recovery will be gradual and unpredictable. Before the injury, the 2023 second-round pick and Athletics’ No. 18 prospect was batting .209 with six home runs and 34 RBIs in 73 games.