ARLINGTON, Texas — 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.
Washington made the statement during his visit to the Angels, marking his first time there since the surgery eight weeks ago in California. He described it as a day he had been eagerly anticipating while recovering at his home in New Orleans. Although he won’t be returning to manage this season, he hopes to have that chance next year. He mentioned he should be completely recovered by December.
Physicians informed me that by the time I reach eight weeks, I could begin some light activities. However, my light activity was to travel to Texas and be with the team,” stated Washington, who is 73 and the oldest manager in the league. “I feel fantastic, truly.
I didn’t arrive here to work. I came here to be with my friends and enjoy time with them.
Washington last achieved a game on June 19 against theNew York YankeesThe 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 physicians to travel back with his team — despite the doctors’ initial desire to keep him in New York — Washington completed a series of examinations in California. He mentioned that an angiogram conducted there revealed a blockage in his valves that could not be addressed with stents.
“This occurred quickly,” Washington said, having been hospitalized on June 23, undergoing surgery on June 30, and being released on July 7.
The Angels, without further explanation, stated on June 27 that he would be taking a medical leave for the remainder of the season.
“I was lucky to survive what happened to me,” Washington said, noting that he has stopped smoking, improved his diet, and is getting better sleep. At one moment, he lifted his Angels hoodie to show the scars from the operation.
Washington wasn’t entirely 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 hadn’t made it,” he said. “So, I started removing things, and the person saw me doing that, and he ran in and grabbed my hand. He asked, ‘What’s happening?’ I replied, ‘Am I dead?’ He said, ‘No, you’re here.’ That’s really what happened.
Washington addressed the opening game of a three-game series here. He intends to travel to Houston with the Angels before missing the last leg of the road trip in Kansas City. After that, he hopes to rejoin his team for the remainder of the season when they return home.
“It’s awesome,” Angels outfielder Jo AdellHe looks like his usual self. I’m just really happy to see him here, and I know everyone is pretty excited. He’s coming back and making it clear that he wants to be back with us. I think that’s a big deal for everyone. It shows who he is.
Washington is the manager with the most wins for the Rangers, achieving a 664-611 record between 2007 and 2014. He guided the team to their initial two World Series appearances, in 2010 and 2011.
After first returning to theAthleticsorganization responsible for the 2015 and 2016 campaigns, Washington became part ofAtlanta Braves’ staff from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of their 2021 World Series winning squad.
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 had a 36-38 record before Washington stepped away from the dugout this year. And on Monday, Los Angeles moved to 26-31 with Ray Montgomery taking over in his place, afterZach Netohomered on the game’s opening pitch on the way to a4-0 win over the Rangers.
His face lit up. It was great having him there. I know being in the clubhouse and back with the team, it was beneficial for him,” Montgomery said about Washington on Monday. “I believe the way things unfolded happened so fast that the guys didn’t have 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 stepped up to the podium for a hug with Washington.
Yeah, it was nice to see him, wasn’t it?” Bochy remarked. “I really like Wash. As I mentioned to him, it’s great to see him in a uniform. It looks like he’s doing well.
