Injured Athletics Prospect Ryan Lasko Leaves Rehab Hospital

Major step forward for Lasko

Ryan Lasko, a minor league prospect with the Athletics, has been released from an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The 24 year old was paralyzed from the chest down following an outfield collision more than two months ago. He is now heading home to continue his recovery.

Staff at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey celebrated his departure with a farewell ceremony. Lasko spent exactly two months at the facility, which is close to where he played college baseball at Rutgers.

The road to recovery

Lasko suffered a spinal cord injury on June 30 during a game in Texas. He fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae when he collided with Double A Midland teammate Devin Taylor as both tried to catch a ball. He was taken to a hospital for immediate surgery to decompress and stabilize his spine.

The injury left him paralyzed from the chest down, affecting both of his arms. His dominant right arm is currently weaker and needs more time to gain strength. However, he has started to feel some tingling sensations in his legs and feet.

Lasko told the press that he is trying to learn patience. He said, "I've kind of stopped trying to look that far ahead because they keep telling me it's two months, this is only the beginning still, but it feels like it's been forever."

Doctors and therapists are happy with his progress. They believe he could eventually make a full recovery and walk again. For now, Lasko is celebrating small victories, like being able to open a water bottle. He plans to live in a hotel near the rehab centre for two months to continue his therapy.