2 weeks ago
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Angels manager Ron Washington revealed on Monday that he received a life-saving quadruple bypass surgery this summer - but still wants to continue coaching the team next season.
The 73-year-old veteran MLB manager was initially placed on medical leave on June 20, with the team announcing a week later that Washington would remained sidelined for the rest of the season.
On Monday, however, he returned to the team to watch their clash at the Rangers and shared just how close he was to death.
'What happened to me saved my life,' he told reporters, via The Athletic. 'That's what happened.'
However, he later added: 'I miss baseball, this is my life. And if [Angels GM] Perry [Minasia] will have me back, I certainly want to come back and finish what we started.'
The former Texas Rangers manager later said that he was yet to actually discuss managing the team in the 2026 season with Minsasia.
Angels manager Ron Washington revealed that he has been recovering from quadruple bypass surgery
He returned to be with the team for their matchup at the Rangers but won't manage the team the rest of this season
Washington, who first managed the Angels last year, explained to media that he began noticing medical issues during his team's series against the Yankees in June, as he experienced shortness of breath, fatigue and swollen ankles.
After receiving medical tests once the team returned to California, he ultimately checked into a hospital on June 23, received the surgery and remained hospitalized for two weeks. Washington then spent time at his home in New Orleans recovering.
He blamed his health problems on consistent cigarette smoking over time and a poor diet.
'My eating habits have changed. I no longer smoke,' he said. 'People have been after me for years for that. And it took a bypass for me to stop smoking. But I'm through smoking. I'm changing my eating habits. I'm sleeping better, and I'm stress free.
He continued: 'If you see me smoking a cigarette, I'll give you the OK to walk up to me and slap me.'
Washington is still rehabilitating from his surgery but told reporters he expects to be fully recovered by December.
In the meantime, the Angels are being managed by Ray Montgomery, who has the team 8.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot at 62-69.
Nonetheless, Washington is planning to remain with the team during its current road trip at the Rangers and Astros before rejoining the team in California.
The oldest manager in MLB, Washington took the helm of the Rangers in 2007 following a 10-year playing career in the 70's and 80's.
He led Texas to two World Series appearances and amassed a 664-611 regular season record before resigning from his post in 2014.
Washington was then hired by the Angels in the fall of 2023.
