ANAHEIM — The Los Angeles Angels faced an unexpected challenge on Friday night as their manager, Ron Washington, was absent from the dugout during the series opener against the Houston Astros. Washington is on indefinite leave due to undisclosed health issues that emerged earlier this week in New York, as announced by Angels general manager Perry Minasian.
Immediate Impact
Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and fatigue during the final stages of a four-game series against the Yankees. Though he was cleared by Yankees doctors to travel back to California, he underwent further medical evaluations upon his return.
In Washington’s absence, bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage the team. Despite the health scare, Washington felt well enough to address his players briefly on Friday afternoon and planned to watch the game from the GM’s suite.
Key Details Emerge
Minasian emphasized the importance of Washington’s health over his return to the dugout. “We want to ensure he’s 100% before he’s back managing,” Minasian stated. “Health is more important than anything.”
“Wash has not felt great the last couple of days. We all know how important this is for all of us, but health is more important than anything.” — Perry Minasian
Angels outfielder Taylor Ward noted that Washington seemed less energetic during the New York series. “He did seem to be moving a little slow, but he already has kind of a slow pace,” Ward remarked.
Background Context
Washington, who previously led the Texas Rangers to consecutive American League pennants in 2010 and 2011, was hired by Minasian before the 2024 season. The Angels had a challenging start under Washington, finishing with a franchise-record 99 losses.
The Angels entered Friday’s game with a 36-38 record, trailing the Astros by 6½ games in the AL West. Notably, the team boasts a major league-best .714 winning percentage in one-run games.
Industry Response
Minasian expressed confidence that Washington will return this season, highlighting the manager’s desire to stay involved with the team during his recovery. “He wants to manage – I don’t know if he’s ever missed a game – but we have to make tough decisions,” Minasian said.
“For me, I want to make sure the guy is absolutely healthy, and physically, he’s in the right place before we put him back in the dugout.” — Perry Minasian
By the Numbers
- Angels’ current record: 36-38
- Trailing Astros by: 6½ games in AL West
- One-run games winning percentage: .714
What Comes Next
While Washington’s timeline for return remains uncertain, Minasian assured that the manager will be present with the team as much as possible. “We wish the best for him. We want him to get as healthy as possible and get back with us,” Ward commented.
Additional Team Updates
Soler Out
Right fielder Jorge Soler was placed on the 10-day injured list due to lower-back inflammation. Outfielder Gustavo Campero was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill the gap.
Soler, batting .207 with eight home runs, has been dealing with back issues for the past week.
Stephenson Progressing
Reliever Robert Stephenson, recovering from a stretched biceps nerve, aims to resume playing catch by the end of the current nine-game homestand.
“I’m very close. They want me to wait until the symptoms are gone completely.” — Robert Stephenson
Up Next
The Angels will continue their series against the Astros on Saturday, with LHP Brandon Walter facing RHP Jose Soriano. The game is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. and will be broadcast on FDSN West and 830 AM.
