Ron Washington will not manage the Los Angeles Angels for the rest of the season due to a health concern, the team announced Friday.
Bench coach Ray Montgomery will act as interim manager. Ryan Goins was promoted to the team’s bench coach.
Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and heavy fatigue while the Angels were playing a four-game road series against the New York Yankees last week. He returned to Los Angeles and underwent tests on June 20 but the team didn’t elaborate on the details or results.
“He’s in good spirits,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Friday. “He understands what needs to be done. I’m not going to go into details. That’s for him to tell if he decides to. But for me, I’m excited for him to do what he needs to do. Forget about the baseball stuff, just get healthy because he’s a great human being.”
Washington reportedly discussed his situation with players and coaches prior to leaving New York but has not spoken to reporters. He has not been in the dugout but has been around the team, according to Minasian.
“Obviously, this is a tough day for me,” the GM said. “I look at it two ways, right? It’s unfortunate that he won’t manage again this year. He’s a unique personality. And in my opinion, and I think a lot of people’s opinion, the game of baseball is 1,000 times better when Ron Washington’s a part of it on a daily basis. But the fortunate part is he knows what he needs to do and from a health standpoint, he knows how to get better.”
Washington is in his second season with the Angels and has a 103-139 record with the team. Los Angeles is 40-40 this season.
Overall, Washington holds a 767-750 record in 10 seasons. He guided Texas (2007-14) to the World Series in 2010 and 2011 with the Rangers losing each time.
“Obviously, we want him here, but we want him to get better,” Angels star Mike Trout said, according to MLB.com. “So just praying for him, thinking about him, keep playing strong for him, and hope he comes out of it great. It’s tough to lose your manager like that but it’s just bigger (than) baseball.”
Montgomery, 55, is in his fourth season on the Angels’ coaching staff. Goins, 37, has been an infield coach for the Angels since last spring, following an eight-year playing career with the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox.
–Field Level Media
