ARLINGTON, Texas — On Monday, Los Angeles Angels’ manager Ron Washington disclosed that he is recuperating from quadruple bypass heart surgery. This marks the first instance he has publicly spoken about the health concerns that have kept him off the field since late June.
Washington shared the update while visiting the Angels for the first time since undergoing the procedure eight weeks ago in California, expressing his eagerness to be with the team again while recovering at his residence in New Orleans. Although he is not set to return to manage this season, he aspires to do so next year. He mentioned he expects to be fully healed by December.
«[Doctors] informed me that by the time I reach the eight-week mark, I could begin to engage in some light activities. However, my light work was coming to Texas to be with the team,» Washington stated, who, at 73, is the oldest manager in Major League Baseball. «I feel fantastic, truly.
«I didn’t arrive here to work. I came here to be around my players and enjoy their company.»
Washington last managed on June 19 against the New York Yankees. The following day, the Angels announced he would be out indefinitely due to health complications after experiencing shortness of breath and showing signs of fatigue toward the end of that four-game series in New York.
After being authorized by Yankees doctors to fly home with his team, despite their initial desire to keep him in New York, Washington underwent a battery of tests in California. He reported that an angiogram revealed blockages in his valves that stents were unable to address.
«This situation escalated quickly,» commented Washington, who was hospitalized on June 23, underwent surgery on June 30, and was released on July 7.
Without going into detail at that time, the Angels announced on June 27 that he would be on medical leave for the remainder of the season.
«What transpired saved my life,» remarked Washington, who noted that he has quit smoking, altered his diet, and improved his sleep quality. At one moment, he lifted his Angels hoodie to show the scars from the surgery.
Washington was uncertain if he had survived in the early stages post-surgery when he was isolated and monitored medically.
«Honestly, I thought I was deceased because I was lying in a place where they had positioned me for several days, and I thought I didn’t make it,» he recounted. «So, I began to remove things, and a staff member saw me, rushed in, and took my hand. He inquired, ‘What’s happening?’ I asked him, ‘Am I dead?’ He replied, ‘No, you’re here.’ Indeed.»
Jo Adell commented. «He appears to be himself. I’m just really happy to see him out here, and I know everyone is quite thrilled. He’s recovering and making an effort to return to us. I think it’s significant for everyone. I believe it reflects the kind of person he is.»
Washington holds the record as the Rangers’ winningest manager, achieving a 664-611 record from 2007 to 2014. He guided them to their inaugural two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
After briefly rejoining the Athletics organization for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Washington became part of the Atlanta Braves’ coaching staff from 2017 to 2023, contributing to their 2021 World Series championship team.
With a youthful roster following Shohei Ohtani’s departure in free agency and three-time American League MVP Mike Trout limited to 29 games due to injuries, the Angels finished last year with a 63-99 record, setting a franchise low for losses during Washington’s first season as their manager. They were 36-38 before Washington left the dugout this year. On Monday, Los Angeles improved to 26-31 with Ray Montgomery filling in for him, following Zach Neto’s home run on the game’s first pitch, leading to a 4-0 victory over the Rangers.
«His face lit up. It was wonderful just to have him around. I know that being in the clubhouse and returning to the team was beneficial for him,» Montgomery commented about Washington on Monday. «I think the way it all unfolded happened so rapidly; guys didn’t get a chance to properly say goodbye.»
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who led Texas to its first World Series title two years prior, is the next-oldest manager in Major League Baseball. The four-time World Series champion, who turned 70 in April, entered the interview room and approached the podium to embrace Washington.
«Yeah, it was great to see him, right?» Bochy said. «I really like Wash. As I told him, it feels good to see him in uniform. He seems to be doing well.»
