Injured prospect Lasko provides encouraging health update

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

WEST SACRAMENTO -- Ryan Lasko has made very encouraging progress in his recovery from a devastating spinal cord injury.

Lasko is a patient at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey as he rehabs from spinal decompression and stabilization surgery. Lasko collided with a teammate while attempting a diving catch that left him without feeling in his lower half. He posted an update on his condition via his Instagram account on Monday morning.

“Just wanted to give a quick update!” Lasko wrote. “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.”

This is a significant step in the right direction for Lasko, who suffered a fracture of his C6-C7 vertebra as a result of his collision with Double-A Midland teammate Devin Taylor during a game on June 30. Dr. Jonathan Poggi, who performed the surgery that night, said there is hope that Lasko will regain full feeling in the lower half of his body, though as is often the case with spinal cord injuries, that is expected to be a long process.

The A’s remain fully supportive of the 24-year-old outfielder. Last week, all players, coaches and staff of the entire organization -- from the Arizona Complex League all the way up to the Major League team -- donned a green “22 strong” T-shirt with Lasko’s name and number emblazoned on the back.

Many A’s players and coaches have continued wearing that shirt every day, including before Monday’s series opener against the Red Sox at Sutter Health Park.

“We continue to keep thoughts and prayers for Ryan and his family,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “The update is awesome. … Organizationally, when the injury occurred, I said that we were going to do everything in our power to support him and his family through this long recovery and make sure that we show that support, whether it is through a T-shirt or a text message. A lot of our guys have reached out to Ryan and made sure that he knows we’re behind him and praying for him.”