Angels manager Ron Washington will be stepping away from his duties for an indefinite period due to a health concern, as announced by general manager Perry Minasian on Friday. Although Washington, 73, will remain involved with the team, he will not be present in the dugout as he addresses this undisclosed health issue.
The Angels have not disclosed specific symptoms but confirmed that Washington was able to speak to the team in the clubhouse alongside Minasian before the Angels’ narrow 3-2 defeat to the Astros. Washington reportedly observed the game from the general manager’s suite at Angel Stadium. Despite the circumstances, Washington has not been available for media comments.
Health Takes Precedence Over Baseball
“Wash has not felt great the last couple of days,” Minasian stated prior to the loss. “We want to make sure he’s 100% before he’s back in the dugout and managing. How long it’s going to take, I don’t know. I don’t expect it to be too long.” He emphasized, “We all know how important this is for all of us, but health is more important than anything, and me personally, I’m not letting him back in the dugout until I know he’s 100% OK. I love the guy too much.”
In Washington’s absence, Angels bench coach Ray Montgomery has assumed the role of interim manager, leading the team in Friday night’s game. Washington, who is in his second season with the Angels, had guided the team to a 36-38 record before his temporary departure.
Washington’s Impact and Leadership
Washington’s influence on the team extends beyond his managerial duties. At the start of the season, he introduced a rigorous workout regimen following their Opening Day loss to the Orioles, which has been met with enthusiasm by the players.
“I think it’s great every single thing Wash has done so far,” Angels left fielder Taylor Ward expressed in April. “I love it. And it might just be what we need.”
Washington explained his decision to hold a full team workout on what was supposed to be an off day, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental and physical readiness. “I think it was important because I don’t want them to get caught up in the fact that we’re not playing baseball the way we’re capable of playing baseball,” Washington noted. “I want them to be free and I want them to know that if we keep coming out here and working that things will take care of itself.”
Looking Forward: A Season of Potential
Despite the current setback, Washington remains optimistic about the Angels’ trajectory. Reflecting on last season’s 63-99 record, he expressed confidence in the team’s potential for improvement.
“We’re gonna be on that trajectory,” Washington asserted. “We don’t think, we will be. But we have to stay in the process, we have to work, we have to learn, we’ve got to apply. That’s what the game of baseball is about: work, learning and applying. And we’re going to do that.”
Washington’s temporary absence underscores the delicate balance between personal health and professional commitments in high-pressure roles. As the Angels navigate this period, the team and fans alike hope for his swift recovery and return to the dugout.
Meanwhile, the Angels will continue their season under Montgomery’s guidance, aiming to build on the foundation Washington has laid. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining both the team’s performance and Washington’s health status.
