It has been nearly two weeks since Angels outfield prospect Rio Foster was seriously injured in a car accident in Richland, Washington.
There were three other passengers in the vehicle, which flipped and crashed into a pole after failing to negotiate a roundabout. Foster was ejected from the vehicle, leaving him in critical condition.
The Athletic’s Sam Blum reported that Foster had suffered a skull fracture and facial fractures as a result of being thrown from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was 23-year-old Ashante Sanders-Jackson. Sanders-Jackson was arrested on three felony counts of vehicular assault, with her bail set at $200,000, according to a report by the Tri-City Herald, citing court documents.
On Foster’s GoFundMe page, his mother, Iris Cleveland, said that the 22-year-old underwent brain surgery and will continue to undergo multiple surgeries in the future.
On Wednesday, Cleveland provided a promising update on Foster’s health.
“He is in ICU, however, he is off the ventilator and opening his eyes. He is making spontaneous movements and showing signs of improvement,” Cleveland said. “He is making small changes everyday, so your prayers are working. Please keep praying for his recovery. We have difficult times ahead. My family wants to say thanks for your donations and support everyone has given to us. May God continue to bless your family.”
Cleveland is hoping that her son will be transported back to Georgia in the near future, asking everyone for one favor.
“Please, please, please, keep him in your prayers.”
Foster was selected in the 16th round of the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft by Los Angeles. In 177 games in the minors since joining the organization, he has recorded a slashline of .279/.402/.446.
He played 93 games for the Angels' High-A affiliate, Tri-City Dust Devils, this season. Just one day before the accident, Foster was one of three Angels prospects to be honored with minor league Player of the Month awards.
Any future updates will be provided.