Ron Washington, the revered baseball lifer known for his energy, leadership, and infield wizardry, is stepping away from his role as manager of the Los Angeles Angels for an indefinite period due to health concerns.
The news was first reported Friday by The Athletic’s Sam Blum. It came just hours before the Angels opened a road series against the Houston Astros. Washington is remaining with the team for now, watching games from the suite level, but bench coach Ray Montgomery will assume managerial duties in his absence.
An Unsettling Pause for a Familiar Figure
Details remain scarce, there is no specific information about Washington’s health has been disclosed. Reports indicate he had not been feeling well for several days leading up to the announcement. The team held a closed-door meeting Friday before the news broke, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
The update hits hard for fans in Atlanta and Anaheim alike. Washington has long been one of the most respected and charismatic figures in the game. Known for his intense work ethic, passionate coaching style, and deep connection to players, he’s been a steady presence in dugouts and along foul lines for decades.
A Legacy Built Across the Diamond
Washington served as the Atlanta Braves third base coach from 2016 through 2023. during which time he helped guide one of baseball’s most talented rosters through both rebuilding years and championship glory. He earned his first World Series ring in 2021 with the Braves, a moment that cemented his legacy among the game’s best mentors.
In 2024, Washington was hired by the Angels to steer the ship in Anaheim, bringing a sense of discipline and optimism to a franchise long in search of stability. So far in his tenure, the results have been promising. The team entered Friday with a 36–38 record—just two games back of a playoff spot and six behind the division lead. For an Angels club still dealing with the aftershock of Shohei Ohtani’s departure, it’s been a step in the right direction.
Before his stops in Atlanta and Anaheim, Washington was the manager of the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014. He helped lead the team to back-to-back AL pennants in 2010 and 2011. Though they came up short in both World Series appearances, Washington’s teams had no shortage of talent.
A Pause, Not a Goodbye
Washington has spent a lifetime in baseball at 71 years old. His impact stretches far beyond wins and losses. His approach to player development, particularly his hands-on work with infielders, has been widely praised across the league.
And while the uncertainty surrounding his health understandably brings concern, the hope around baseball is that this is a temporary step back—and not a farewell.
For now, the Angels will continue their playoff push under Montgomery’s guidance, while Washington remains in the fold in a reduced role. More information is expected in the coming days, but one thing is certain: the entire baseball community is pulling for him.
