Major news has hit the Los Angeles <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/28/angels-washington-to-miss-remainder-of-season/” title=”Breaking News: Angels Ron Washington Out for Season”>angels baseball organization. manager Ron Washington will not be returning to his post for the remainder of the 2025 season. The team officially announced this significant decision on Friday, June 27, impacting the club as they navigate the second half of their schedule. Bench coach Ray Montgomery, who stepped in on an interim basis earlier this month, will now continue to lead the team from the dugout through the end of the current campaign.
Washington’s Medical Leave Leads to Season-Ending Absence
The announcement follows Washington’s initial departure from the team. The 73-year-old manager stepped away from his duties on June 20, taking an indefinite medical leave. While the specific health issue has not been publicly disclosed, reports indicated that Washington experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue following the team’s road series against the New York Yankees, which concluded just the day before his leave began.
Angels General Manager Perry Minasian addressed the situation at the time. He emphasized that Washington’s health was the absolute priority. Minasian had initially expressed hope that Washington would eventually be able to return to managing later in the season, though he avoided setting a specific timeline. He maintained that Washington would only be welcomed back to the dugout when he was “100% healthy.”
Leadership Changes Confirmed for Rest of 2025
With Ron Washington now confirmed to be sidelined for the season, the interim leadership structure is solidified. Ray Montgomery, who has served as the Angels’ bench coach, will officially continue as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2025 season. Montgomery is in his fifth year with the Angels organization and has prior experience filling in as manager, including during spring training and notably during a suspension absence for former manager Phil Nevin in 2022.
Taking over Montgomery’s role as bench coach will be Ryan Goins. Goins previously served as the team’s infield coach. This shift ensures the coaching staff structure is complete as the team pushes forward. The Angels held a team meeting before their game against the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 27, to inform the players directly about Washington’s extended absence.
Washington’s Impact and Health Outlook
Ron Washington joined the Angels as manager in November 2023. His tenure thus far spans parts of two seasons, during which the team holds a record of 99-137 under his guidance. The 2024 season saw the Angels struggle significantly, losing a franchise-record 99 games. However, the team has shown marked improvement and a more competitive spirit in 2025 under Washington’s leadership before his leave.
General Manager Perry Minasian has praised Washington’s profound positive influence on the clubhouse and the team’s overall attitude. Minasian stated that “the game of baseball is 1,000 times better when Ron Washington’s part of it on a daily basis,” crediting Washington for instilling a resilient attitude that contributed to the team’s improved performance. At the time of the official announcement, the Angels held a 40-40 record, a stark contrast to the previous year’s finish.
While Washington’s medical condition remains undisclosed, GM Minasian provided a somewhat encouraging update on his health trajectory. According to Minasian, Washington recently received news that was “relatively fortunate,” indicating there is a “path forward” for him to work towards regaining his health. However, the long-term impact of these health issues on Washington’s baseball career remains uncertain. Washington is currently in the final year of a two-year contract with the Angels, which includes an option for the 2026 season. Minasian did not rule out the possibility of Washington returning to the Angels in some capacity in the future, though clearly not this season.
Angels Maintain Momentum Under Interim Leadership
Despite the significant change in leadership, the Los Angeles Angels have surprisingly managed to maintain positive momentum on the field. Since Ray Montgomery took over as interim manager on June 20, the team has posted a 4-2 record through Friday, June 27. This recent success includes completing an impressive sweep against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium, a performance that helped bring their season record back to the .500 mark.
The Angels’ overall performance in recent weeks has been notable. Since May 15, the team holds a strong 23-15 record. As of the announcement day, the Angels were sitting at 40-40, positioned third in the American League West standings. Importantly, they were only one game behind the Seattle Mariners for second place in the division and just one game out of a potential Wild Card playoff spot. This puts the Angels in a much more competitive position than in recent years, creating realistic hope for potentially breaking a long playoff drought.
Players Express Support for Washington
The news of Ron Washington’s extended absence deeply impacted the Angels players, who have developed a strong bond with their manager. During the team meeting before the Nationals game, players were informed and offered their support for Washington’s well-being. They expressed a commitment to continue playing hard in his absence.
Star outfielder Mike Trout shared his thoughts, stating, “Obviously, we want him here, but we want him getting better. So praying for him, thinking about him, keep playing strong for him.” Catcher Logan O’Hoppe humorously reflected on Washington’s connection with the team, noting, “He’s got 26 sons in here.”
Shortstop Zach Neto, in particular, highlighted Washington’s significant role as a mentor. Washington is widely recognized as a “guru” for infield defense, leveraging coaching experience dating back to 1996. Neto recounted learning invaluable lessons from Washington, not just about fielding mechanics but also important life lessons about accountability and moving past mistakes. He spoke fondly of the personal connection they shared, including sitting together during games and casual banter in Washington’s office, moments he will undoubtedly miss throughout the season.
Washington’s Distinguished Baseball Career
Ron Washington’s career in baseball is marked by significant achievements beyond his time with the Angels. Before joining Los Angeles, he served as the third base coach for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 through the 2023 season. During his tenure with the Braves, he was part of the coaching staff that won a World Series ring in 2021.
Washington’s most notable managerial experience came with the Texas Rangers. He managed the Rangers from 2007 to 2014, leading the team to consecutive American League pennants in 2010 and 2011. While the Rangers ultimately fell short in both World Series appearances, Washington’s leadership during that era is widely respected throughout baseball. His extensive experience and reputation as a highly respected coach and manager are well-established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ron Washington not managing the Angels this season?
Ron Washington is not managing the Los Angeles Angels for the remainder of the 2025 season because he is on medical leave. He initially stepped away from the team on June 20 due to an undisclosed health issue, reportedly experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. The team announced on June 27 that he would remain on leave for the entire season to focus on his health.
Who is managing the Los Angeles Angels for the rest of the 2025 season?
Bench coach Ray Montgomery has been named the interim manager for the Los Angeles Angels for the rest of the 2025 season. Montgomery took over interim duties when Ron Washington initially went on medical leave on June 20 and will continue in that role. Ryan Goins, previously the infield coach, has stepped into the bench coach position.
What is the future for Ron Washington with the Angels or in baseball?
Ron Washington’s long-term future with the Angels or in baseball remains uncertain following his season-ending medical leave. Angels GM Perry Minasian indicated Washington recently received “fortunate” health news with a “path forward” for recovery. Washington is currently in the final year of his contract with a 2026 option, and Minasian did not rule out a future role with the team, though his focus is currently on his health.
Looking Ahead for the Angels
The Los Angeles Angels face the challenge of finishing the 2025 season under interim management following Ron Washington’s confirmed absence. While the news is undoubtedly a setback given Washington’s positive influence and the team’s recent improvement, the Angels have shown they can compete under Ray Montgomery’s leadership. With the team holding a .500 record and sitting on the edge of the playoff picture, the focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and navigating the remainder of the season with the current coaching staff structure in place. The baseball community will continue to send well wishes for Ron Washington’s health and recovery.
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