Los Angeles angels manager Ron washington will miss the rest of the 2025 Major League Baseball season as he continues to address an undisclosed medical issue, the team announced Friday, June 27, 2025. This decision formalizes the skipper’s extended absence, which began earlier in the month. Bench coach Ray Montgomery has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the year, with infield coach Ryan Goins stepping into the bench coach role. The news marks a significant shift for the Angels as they navigate the second half of a season where they have notably exceeded many preseason expectations.
Angels Manager Placed on Extended Medical Leave
Ron Washington, the oldest active manager in MLB at 73, was initially placed on medical leave on Friday, June 20. This followed his experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue during the team’s recent road trip. The symptoms became apparent towards the end of a four-game series against the New York Yankees, which concluded on June 19. Following that series, Washington traveled back to Southern California to undergo a battery of medical tests. The initial hope within the organization was that his absence might only last about a week, allowing him time to recover and return. However, subsequent evaluations led to the determination that he would require more time away from the rigorous demands of managing a major league club. General Manager Perry Minasian emphasized that Washington is aware of the steps necessary for his health and is reportedly in good spirits, maintaining communication with the team.
Timeline of Washington’s Absence
Washington had not been in the dugout managing the team since June 19 in New York. While he was present at Angel Stadium for the weekend series against the Houston Astros following his return to Southern California, he was not in uniform and did not participate in dugout activities. His official medical leave commenced on June 20, with Ray Montgomery immediately taking over interim duties. The announcement on June 27 confirms that this interim arrangement will now extend through the conclusion of the 2025 season. The club is prioritizing Washington’s well-being above all else, understanding that his health situation necessitates this extended time away from the field. Minasian stated he would not allow Washington back in the dugout until he was “100 percent OK,” underscoring a personal concern for the veteran manager.
Team Leadership Shift for Remainder of 2025
With Ron Washington confirmed to miss the rest of the season, the Los Angeles Angels have solidified their interim coaching staff structure. Ray Montgomery, 55, who has been serving as the bench coach, will continue as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. This will be Montgomery’s first opportunity managing a major league team. He is a native of New York’s Westchester County and a former Houston Astros outfielder. Montgomery also brings considerable experience from baseball operations, previously serving as scouting director for both the Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations before joining the Angels. He arrived in Anaheim as the director of player personnel for the 2020 season and transitioned to bench coach in 2021 under Joe Maddon, remaining in the role under Phil Nevin and Ron Washington. Montgomery described his focus in the interim role as handling the “transactional piece,” concentrating on the practical aspects of gameplay while maintaining the team’s current approach.
Assuming the bench coach responsibilities under Montgomery is Ryan Goins. Goins, a former major league infielder who played eight seasons, was hired by Washington before the 2024 season as the Angels’ infield coach. He will now take on the crucial role of assisting Montgomery from the bench. The Angels do not plan to make further additions to their coaching staff at this time, opting to proceed with their existing personnel.
Impact on the Angels’ Season
The announcement of Ron Washington’s season-ending leave comes at a pivotal juncture for the Los Angeles Angels. As of Friday, June 27, heading into their game against the visiting Washington Nationals, the team held a respectable 40-40 record. This .500 mark positioned them better than many analysts predicted for a club that had endured nine consecutive losing seasons and ten straight non-playoff campaigns entering 2025. Under Montgomery, the Angels had won three straight games and seven of their last ten overall heading into Friday’s action, showing resilience even in Washington’s initial absence.
General Manager Perry Minasian credited Washington with a significant role in the team’s improved performance. He noted that after a season and a half under Washington’s leadership, the players had begun to take on the manager’s determined and energetic personality. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe echoed this sentiment, calling Washington the “catalyst” for the perceived turnaround. Players like O’Hoppe and shortstop Zach Neto expressed deep concern for Washington’s health above the baseball implications, viewing him as a father figure (“26 sons”). Neto shared optimism, stating he was hearing “great news that he’s doing better.”
While the team was one game back of the third American League wild-card spot entering Friday, the loss of their charismatic leader presents an undeniable challenge. Montgomery and the players expressed confidence in their ability to adapt, but maintaining momentum without Washington’s daily presence will test the team’s depth and leadership from within the clubhouse. Washington’s nearly three decades in professional baseball as a player, coach, and manager, including leading the Texas Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, have cemented his reputation as a highly respected figure known for his coaching prowess and ability to connect with players. His absence leaves a void that Montgomery and the players must collectively fill as they push towards their first postseason appearance since 2014. The situation also introduces uncertainty regarding Washington’s potential return in 2026, as his contract includes a club option for that season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington missing the remainder of the 2025 season?
Angels manager Ron Washington will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to an undisclosed medical issue. He began experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue in mid-June and returned to Southern California for medical tests. The team announced on June 27 that his health situation requires him to remain on medical leave through the end of the current season. The organization has stated that his health is the top priority.
Who is managing the Angels now that Ron Washington is out for the season?
With Ron Washington out for the remainder of 2025, the Los Angeles Angels have appointed bench coach Ray Montgomery as the interim manager. Montgomery, who previously served as the team’s bench coach since 2021, took over interim duties when Washington was initially placed on leave in June. Additionally, infield coach Ryan Goins has been promoted to assume the bench coach position for the rest of the season under Montgomery.
What does Ron Washington’s absence mean for the Angels’ performance this season?
Ron Washington’s absence comes at a challenging time, as the Angels were playing competitive baseball with a 40-40 record as of June 27, exceeding many expectations and sitting just one game out of an AL wild-card spot. The team’s improved performance was partly attributed to players adopting Washington’s personality. While Ray Montgomery takes over as interim manager, maintaining the team’s positive momentum without their primary leader’s daily presence will be a key challenge for the rest of the season.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Angels organization faces a significant challenge with the confirmation that manager Ron Washington will miss the entire remainder of the 2025 season due to medical reasons. While the team was navigating a promising, albeit unexpected, .500 season under Washington’s guidance, their focus now shifts to supporting their manager’s health and adapting under the interim leadership of Ray Montgomery and Ryan Goins. The players and front office have expressed concern for Washington’s well-being, highlighting his impact beyond the game itself. As the Angels continue their push in the competitive American League landscape, the ability of the interim staff and the players to sustain the positive momentum established under Washington will define the outcome of their season. The situation underscores that in sports, as in life, health remains paramount.
Word Count Check: 1004 words
