Los Angeles AngelsManager Ron Washington stated on Monday that he is recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery. This marks the first time he has publicly discussed the health problems that have kept him away since late June.
He made the announcement during his first visit to the Angels since the surgery eight weeks ago in California, referring to it as a day he had been eagerly anticipating while recovering at his residence in New Orleans. He will not be returning to manage this season, but he is hopeful for the chance to do so next year. He mentioned that he expects to be completely recovered by December.
Physicians informed me that by the time I reach eight weeks, I could begin some light activities, but my light work was to come up to Texas and be with the team,” stated Washington, who is the oldest manager in the majors at 73. “I feel fantastic, truly. … I didn’t come here to work, I came here to be with my teammates and enjoy myself.
Washington last achieved a victory on June 19 against theYankeesThe next day, the Angels announced that he would be out for an extended period due to health problems following episodes of shortness of breath and showing signs of exhaustion during the final game of the four-game series in New York.
Following clearance from Yankees doctors to travel back with his team, despite their initial desire to keep him in New York, Washington had a set of examinations conducted in California. He mentioned that an angiogram performed there revealed a blockage in his valves that could not be addressed with stents.
“It occurred quickly,” Washington said, having been hospitalized on June 23, undergone surgery on June 30, and been released on July 7.
The Angels, without providing further details, stated on June 27 that he would be taking a medical leave for the remainder of the season.
“I was lucky to survive,” said Washington, who mentioned that he has stopped smoking, improved his diet, and is getting better sleep. At one moment, he lifted the Angels hoodie he was wearing to show the scars from the operation.
Washington wasn’t certain he had succeeded right after the procedure, when he was alone and attached to medical equipment.
Actually, I thought I was dead because I was lying somewhere where they had placed me for a few days, and I said I didn’t make it,” he said. “So I started taking things off, and the guy saw me doing that, and he ran in, grabbed my hand, and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ I replied, ‘Am I dead?’ He said, ‘No, you’re here.’ That’s really what happened.
The popular Washington addressed the crowd before the start of a three-game series inTexasHe intends to proceed to Houston with the Angels before missing the last leg of the road trip inKansas City, then hopes to remain with the team for the rest of the season after they go back home.
“It’s awesome,” outfielder Jo Adellnoted. “He looks like himself. I’m just really happy to see him out here, and I know everyone here is pretty excited. He’s recovering and making it a priority to return here with us. I think it’s significant for everyone. I think it shows who he is.”
Washington is the most successful manager in the Rangers’ history, posting a 664-611 record between 2007 and 2014. He guided the team to its initial two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
After first returning to theA’sorganization for two seasons, Washington was onAtlanta Bravesstaff from 2017 to 2023 and a member of their 2021 World Series championship team.
With a youthful team followingShohei Ohtanihis exit in free agency and with three-time American League MVPMike TroutLimited to 29 games due to injuries, the Angels finished with a 63-99 record last year, establishing a team record for losses during Washington’s first season as their manager. They were 36-38 before Washington stepped away from the dugout this year, and entered Monday night’s game with a 25-31 record under Ray Montgomery’s interim leadership.
His face lit up,” Montgomery stated on Monday. “It was great to have him back. I know being in the clubhouse and returning to the team — it was beneficial for him. I believe the way things unfolded and how fast everything happened, the players didn’t get a real chance to say goodbye.
Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy, who guided Texas to its first World Series victory two years back, is the second oldest manager in Major League Baseball. The four-time World Series winner, who celebrated his 70th birthday in April, entered the interview room and approached the podium to embrace Washington.
Yeah, it was nice to see him, wasn’t it?” Bochy remarked. “I really like Wash. As I mentioned to him, it’s good for him to be in a uniform. It looks like he’s doing well.
Produced by The Associated Press.
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