Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko stable after spinal surgery

A top prospect for the Oakland Athletics is in stable condition after undergoing emergency spinal surgery following a frightening on-field collision with a teammate earlier this week. Outfielder Ryan Lasko, 24, fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae during a game for the Double-A Midland RockHounds on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

The injury occurred when Lasko, playing center field, and right fielder Devin Taylor both dove headfirst for a fly ball hit into the gap. The players collided, and Lasko remained motionless on the field for approximately 10 minutes before being carted off and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.

He underwent spinal decompression and stabilization surgery that night, performed by Dr. Jonathan Poggi. While Lasko is now in stable condition, he currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body. Dr. Poggi has indicated there is hope Lasko will regain feeling, though the process is expected to take a significant amount of time.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, speaking before the major league team's game on Wednesday, emphasized the cautious optimism from medical staff. "The positive in the statement from the doctor is that there is not a...