Los Angeles Angels' manager Washington visits team for the first time since medical leave

This day has been highly anticipated by Ron Washington. Placed on the season-long medical leave list on June 27, Washington returned to the field today as the Angels began their three-game series against the Rangers at the Rangers' ballpark.

The 73-year-old revealed that heart issues, specifically undergoing quadruple bypass surgery on June 30, led to his leave nearly two months ago, with Ray Montgomery stepping in as interim manager. After eight weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, Washington is doing well and was cleared to attend today’s game to spend time with the coaching staff and players. He plans to be present for all three games against the Rangers, the three-game series in Houston this weekend, and the remaining 12 home games this season.

“I’ve definitely been looking forward to this day on the schedule,” Washington said. “I feel great. Really. It’s been eight weeks since the surgery. They told me I could even play softball, but I’m here just to support my players.”

Washington said he had to make some lifestyle changes, including modifying his diet and quitting smoking. The result has been better sleep quality, and he is glad to have identified the cause of his health issue early in the season and addressed it through surgery. He stayed in a Southern California hospital from June 23 to July 7 before returning home in New Orleans for rehabilitation.

“People have been telling me to quit smoking for years, and it wasn’t until the bypass surgery that I finally stopped,” Washington said. “But now I’m completely done. I changed my eating habits. I sleep better and feel no stress. I mean, that’s simply because I don’t have to make decisions right now.”

Washington is widely respected by his peers and players alike, known as a lifelong baseball professional recognized for his leadership and expertise in teaching infield defense. His return in Texas is fitting, as he served as the Rangers’ manager from 2007 to 2014, leading them to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

Shortstop Zach Neto shares a particularly close bond with Washington, being the first to greet him when he arrived at the ballpark today.

“He’s like a father figure to me,” Neto said. “He’s one of my best friends. Seeing him here and coming back to where it all started feels really special.”

Hired by the Angels before the 2024 season to help develop several young players as part of their future plans, the Angels lost a franchise-record 99 games in 2024. However, their young core has grown and performed better this season.

Right fielder Jo Adell is one of the players who has made significant progress this year, saying Washington’s return will bring more inspiration and motivation to the team.

“It’s awesome,” Adell said. “I’ve been talking to him. I know his goal was to be here when we got back to Texas. He looks healthy and exactly like himself. So I’m really glad to see him here. I know everyone here is very excited about his return.”

The Angels posted a 36-38 record under Washington before announcing on June 20 that he would be indefinitely absent prior to their series against the Red Sox. Washington initially thought he’d be out for just a week or two, but a week later he was placed on the season-long medical leave list. Under Montgomery, the Angels went 25-31, with Montgomery regularly communicating with Washington via texts and calls.

Washington’s future remains uncertain as the Angels hold his option for the 2026 season. For now, the team is simply glad to have him back around. Washington said he expects to be fully recovered by December.

“I know being back in the clubhouse and around the team is good for him,” Montgomery said. “When something like this is taken away from you in that way, it’s tough, so this could be an important perspective shift.”

Washington said he has not yet formally discussed his status for next year with general manager Perry Minasian but hopes to manage again next season.

“I miss baseball,” Washington said. “It’s my life, and if Perry wants me back, I definitely want to come back and finish what we started. I love everything I see in these players.”