The Los Angeles Angels are heading into the rest of the 2025 MLB season without Ron Washington, their 73-year-old manager. He’s stepping away on medical leave, as announced Friday, leaving bench coach Ray Montgomery to fill in as interim manager.
This comes at a time when the Angels are battling for wild-card contention after a rough 2024 season. The mood swings between challenge and hope, and Washington’s absence adds another twist.
Ron Washington’s Health Concerns and Leadership Pause
Washington decided to step away midseason for health reasons. The Angels haven’t shared specifics about his condition, but at 73, it’s pretty clear his health comes first.
His absence leaves a gap in leadership. Ray Montgomery has stepped up, taking over the clubhouse during this uncertain stretch.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Washington’s no stranger to tough times or big moments. Over ten seasons as a manager, he’s put together a 767-750 (.506) record—more wins than losses, which is nothing to sneeze at.
His biggest achievements came with the Texas Rangers, where he led the team to back-to-back American League pennants in 2010 and 2011. The Rangers didn’t win the World Series, but Washington’s steady hand made him one of the most respected guys in the league.
He also spent time coaching with the Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves, which only added to his reputation as a baseball lifer.
The Angels’ 2025 Turnaround: From Disaster to Hope
Washington’s medical leave comes right as the Angels are finding their groove. After a franchise-worst 99-loss season in 2024, nobody expected much for 2025.
But something’s changed. At the halfway point, they’re sitting at 40-40, and since mid-May, they’ve gone 23-15—a pace only two other American League teams can top right now.
The wild-card race is suddenly within reach. The Angels have flipped the script on their season, and it’s been a blast to watch.
Ray Montgomery’s Interim Role
Ray Montgomery now has the job of keeping things on track. He doesn’t have Washington’s long resume, but his leadership will matter a lot as the team tries to keep rolling.
So far, Montgomery’s shown he’s up for the challenge. The Angels are still in the hunt, and he’s helping them stay focused on the postseason.
What This Means for the Team Moving Forward
Washington’s health situation could shape the Angels’ plans down the road. His contract has a club option for 2026, but the team hasn’t said how they’ll handle the manager spot yet.
It’s a little up in the air. Still, with the playoffs in sight, the Angels really need to keep their eyes on the prize—winning games and chasing October baseball.
Washington’s Legacy with the Angels
Even in just two seasons, Washington’s made a real impact on the Angels. His leadership and baseball smarts helped turn the team around, taking them from the bottom to playoff hopefuls.
Whether he returns in 2026 or not, he’s already left his mark on the club. That’s not something every manager can say after such a short stint.
Key Takeaways: The Angels’ Path Forward
With Washington sidelined, the Angels have some big questions as they head into the second half of 2025. Here’s what’s worth watching:
- Montgomery’s Leadership: Can Montgomery rally the team and keep their wild-card dreams alive?
- Long-term Managerial Plans: Will the Angels pick up Washington’s contract for 2026, or start looking elsewhere?
- Playoff Push: Can the Angels hang onto this momentum and actually make the postseason?
Closing Thoughts
Ron Washington’s departure really shows how fast things can change, both in life and in baseball. The Angels now have to move forward without their experienced leader.
They’ll need to lean on the resilience Washington taught them. His legacy already feels woven into the team, whether or not they end up with a playoff spot this year.
I’m rooting for Washington to make a full recovery. The game just isn’t the same without him.
As for Angels fans—well, the big question hangs in the air. Can this team actually pull it together and get back into the postseason mix?
Guess we’ll all just have to wait and see if this next chapter brings triumph or more heartbreak.
Here is the source article for this story: Angels manager Ron Washington will stay on medical leave, miss rest of 2025 season
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