ANAHEIM -- Angels general manager Perry Minasian announced Friday that Ron Washington will step away from his managerial duties indefinitely, due to health concerns.
In the interim, bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage the team. Montgomery has been with the organization since 2020 and has been their bench coach since 2021.
According to Minasian, Washington has not been feeling well for the past couple of days. He consulted with doctors in New York and underwent medical tests on Friday morning before the team made the decision to adjust their management plans.
“We’re going to make sure we cross every T, dot every I, and make sure he’s 100 percent before he’s back in the dugout and managing,” said Minasian. “We all know how important this is, but certain things are bigger than baseball, and health is obviously first and foremost.”
Though there’s no definitive timeline for his return, Minasian is confident that Washington will be back this season. For now, Washington will remain with the team, but he will not be in the dugout during games.
“I want to make sure the guy is absolutely healthy, and physically, that he is in the right place before we put him back in the dugout. We play some close games every night,” explained Minasian. “They’re pretty tight games and stressful games, and I want to make sure he’s good healthwise.”
This news comes as the Angels return from a seven-game road trip in which they clinched a series victory against the New York Yankees. The team is looking to carry that momentum into a nine-game homestand that began Friday against the Houston Astros.
“It’s sad. We wish the best for him. We want him to get healthy as soon as possible and get back with us,” said outfielder Taylor Ward. “We got a good chance to come together even more. I’m looking forward to tonight and taking the field with these guys and doing it for him.”
Astros manager Joe Espada reached out to Washington.
“He’s one of the best baseball men I’ve ever been around, so wish him the best,” said Espada. “He was my first infield coach. I got drafted. I went to Spring Training, and he was the third-base coach, infield coach. I saw him transform Eric Chavez into a Gold Glove third baseman.
“Ronny’s one of the best infield instructors there is in the game. Different ways that he connects with players. He’s one of the best, so I wish him the best.”
Washington, 73, was hired as Angels manager prior to the 2024 season after a seven-season stint as a coach with the Braves. He previously managed the Rangers from 2007-14, leading them to two World Series appearances.