Halos’ Washington had quadruple bypass, eyes ’26

ARLINGTON, Texas — Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington said Monday that he is recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery, the first time he has publicly addressed the health issues that have sidelined him since June.

He made the announcement while visiting the Angels for the first time since the operation eight weeks ago in California. He is not returning to manage this season, but he said he hopes to have that opportunity next year.

Washington, at 73 the oldest manager in the majors, was last in the dugout for a game June 19. The following day, the team said Washington was out indefinitely because of health issues after experiencing shortness of breath and appearing fatigued toward the end of that four-game series against the New York Yankees.

He was cleared by Yankees doctors to fly home with the team and underwent a series of tests after getting back to Southern California. The Angels announced June 27 that he was going on medical leave for the rest of the season. Washington had surgery three days later.

Well-liked Washington revealed the details of his medical issues before the Angels opened a three-game series in Texas, where he still has a residence. He plans to continue on to Houston before skipping the final stop on the road trip in Kansas City. Washington hopes to be with the team the rest of the season after the Angels return home.

Washington is the Rangers’ winningest manager, with a 664-611 record from 2007 to 2014. In 2010 and 2011, he led them to their first two World Series appearances.

After initially returning to the Athletics‘ organization for two seasons, Washington then was on the Atlanta Braves‘ staff 2017-23 and was part of their 2021 World Series championship.

With a young roster after Shohei Ohtani‘s departure in free agency and with three-time AL MVP Mike Trout limited to 29 games because of injuries, the Angels went 63-99 last year, setting a franchise record for losses, in Washington’s first season as their manager. They were 36-38 before Washington left the dugout this season.

Ray Montgomery has filled in as the interim manager, going 25-31.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who led Texas to its first World Series title two seasons ago, is the next oldest manager in the majors. The four-time World Series champion turned 70 in April.