Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has opened up about the life-changing health battle that forced him away from the dugout earlier this summer. The 73-year-old veteran skipper revealed that he underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing troubling symptoms during a series against the New York Yankees in June.
Washington, the oldest active manager in Major League Baseball, has been sidelined since June 20 due to the undisclosed medical issue that has now come to light. Bench coach Ray Montgomery stepped in as interim manager to guide the team through the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
The health scare began when Washington noticed he was struggling with shortness of breath and extreme fatigue toward the end of the Angels’ four-game set with the Yankees. Although he was cleared to fly back to Southern California, further medical evaluations revealed blockages in his heart valves that required immediate and extensive surgery.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Washington admitted the experience was both shocking and eye-opening.
“Actually I thought I was dead [right after the surgery] because I was laying someplace where they had put me for a few days [to recover], and I said I didn't make it,” Washington recounted to The Associated Press. “So I started pulling stuff off, and the guy saw me doing it, and he came running in, and he grabbed my hand. He said, 'What's going on?' I said, 'Am I dead?' He said, 'No, you're here.' Really.”
Lifestyle Changes and Recovery
The surgery has prompted Washington to make significant lifestyle adjustments. Known for his energy and presence around the ballpark, Washington admitted that the wake-up call has forced him to focus on his health more than ever before. He has since quit smoking, overhauled his diet, and committed to a healthier daily routine.
He credited the incident with saving his life, adding that the entire ordeal has changed how he looks at his future, both personally and professionally.
Following surgery, Washington returned to his home in New Orleans to focus on recovery. After two months of rest and gradual rehabilitation, he rejoined the Angels this week in Arlington, Texas, ahead of their clash with the Rangers — the franchise he once guided to unprecedented success.
While Washington did not take on any managerial duties during the visit, his presence was warmly welcomed by players and staff alike.
“[Doctors] told me by the time I reach eight weeks, I could start doing some light work, but my light work was to come up to Texas and be with the team,” Washington said. “I feel great, I really do … I didn’t come here to work. I came here to be around my guys and have fun with them.”
Aiming for a 2026 Return
The Angels have made it clear that the plan is for Washington to resume his full-time managerial responsibilities next season, provided he remains in good health. He is expected to be fully cleared by doctors in December, which would allow him a full offseason to prepare for the 2026 campaign.
The Angels’ players have spoken highly of Washington’s leadership during his absence, often citing the resilience and discipline he brings to the clubhouse. While the team’s record has struggled, his return could provide a morale boost heading into what many hope will be a more competitive season.
Currently, the Angels are 61-69 and sit fourth in the AL West, trailing by 8.5 games in the American League wild-card race. With the odds stacked heavily against them, their playoff drought, which stretches back to 2014, appears likely to continue.
Washington’s managerial record with the Angels stands at 124-168. His first season in charge saw the team finish 63-99, missing the playoffs by a wide margin. Despite the struggles, his leadership remains valued by both the front office and the roster, who see him as a steadying influence during a transitional era for the franchise.
A Career of Influence
Washington is no stranger to overcoming challenges, both on and off the field. During his eight-season stint with the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014, he became the most successful manager in franchise history. Under his leadership, the Rangers reached back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected baseball minds in the game.
His managerial career has been defined by a deep connection with his players, a reputation for instilling fundamentals, and an ability to foster belief in underdog teams. Even amid health struggles, Washington’s commitment to the game remains unwavering.
While his return will depend entirely on medical clearance, the Angels organization and fans alike are eager to see him back in the dugout. His recovery journey, filled with resilience and determination, mirrors the same qualities he has demanded from his players over decades in professional baseball.
Looking Ahead
As Washington continues his recovery, the baseball community has rallied around him, offering support and encouragement. For the Angels, his presence in Arlington this week was a symbolic reminder of the leadership they hope to lean on in 2026.
The 2025 season may not end with postseason glory for Los Angeles, but the long-term picture has been brightened by the news of Washington’s improving health.
If cleared by December as expected, Washington will enter 2026 not only with renewed energy but also with a newfound appreciation for the fragility of life and the gift of baseball. His story is one of perseverance — a reminder that even in a sport defined by numbers and results, the human spirit remains at its core.
