Ron Washington’s Indefinite Leave from Angels Due to Health Concerns

Ron Washington, the manager of the Los Angeles Angels, is stepping away from his duties indefinitely due to health issues. Recent concerns about his condition have prompted general manager Perry Minasian to announce this decision.

“We all understand the importance of baseball,” Minasian stated, “but some matters take precedence, and health is the most important of those.” He shared this news in a statement on Friday.

In Washington’s absence, bench coach Ray Montgomery will take over the managerial responsibilities for the Angels’ upcoming game against the Houston Astros.

At 73, Washington had been experiencing shortness of breath and was visibly fatigued during the series against the New York Yankees. After a visit to the Yankees’ medical staff, he was advised to head home and underwent various medical tests on Friday.

Details surrounding Washington’s symptoms remain vague, though he did address the team on Friday. He had originally planned to observe the game from a suite at Angel Stadium but was not available to speak with the media.

Minasian expressed concern for Washington, noting, “He hasn’t felt well over the past few days. We want to ensure he is completely healthy before he returns to the dugout. I’m not sure how long this will take, but I don’t think it will be an extended absence.” He emphasized the priority of health over the baseball season, saying, “Until I know he’s 100%, I won’t have him back in the dugout.”

Washington previously managed the Texas Rangers during their two consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011 and was brought on by Minasian before the start of the 2024 season, a year that saw the Angels suffering a franchise record of 99 losses.

As the Angels prepared for the latest matchup, they held a record of 36-38, sitting 6½ games behind the Astros in the AL West. Their performance included a notable record of 15 wins in one-run games this season.