Ron Washington Exits Angels; Ray Montgomery Continues as Interim Manager

The Los Angeles Angels announced that Ron Washington won’t return as team manager for the rest of the 2025 season because of health concerns.

Washington, who’s been on medical leave since late June, leaves the team under interim bench coach Ray Montgomery. Montgomery will keep leading the Angels for the rest of the season. The decision marks a new chapter for a franchise that’s had its share of ups and downs under Washington since he was hired in 2023.

Ron Washington Steps Down: Health First

Washington’s departure reminds everyone how unpredictable a sports season can be. It also shows just how important it is to put health first.

At 73, Washington started his medical leave on June 20 because of an undisclosed health issue. He’d experienced shortness of breath and fatigue during a New York road trip.

Since then, Ray Montgomery has stepped in to guide the team. He’s helped keep things steady, even as the situation changed quickly.

A Storied Career Paused

Washington’s baseball expertise stretches across decades. He managed the Texas Rangers and led them to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

He also held coaching roles with the Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves before joining the Angels. In his two seasons with the Angels, he faced a lot of challenges but also sparked some hope for the future.

In 2024, the Angels suffered a franchise-record 99 losses—a season most fans would rather forget. But in 2025, Washington’s influence on the rebuilding process actually showed.

Since mid-May, the team went 23-15, hinting at real potential. Heading into Friday’s game against the Nationals, they held a 40-40 record and sat third in the AL West.

The Role of Ray Montgomery: Stability Amid Change

Bench coach Ray Montgomery took over as interim manager after Washington’s medical leave. He’ll stay in that role for the rest of the season.

Montgomery isn’t new to the job. He served as interim manager during spring training and briefly in 2022.

His experience with the Angels’ system and players helped him transition smoothly. That kind of familiarity matters, especially with so much at stake.

Ryan Goins: New Bench Coach with Key Responsibilities

Ryan Goins, who was the infield coach, has been promoted to bench coach. That adds another layer to the team’s new leadership structure.

With the Angels showing signs of competitiveness, Goins will play a big role in helping Montgomery as the season continues. Stepping into this position means he’ll face new challenges and make more decisions that shape the team.

Perry Minasian’s Perspective: A Focus on Health

Angels General Manager Perry Minasian stressed that Washington’s health comes before anything else. That’s a message that hits home in pro sports, where pressure can sometimes push well-being aside.

Minasian’s approach shows the Angels want to support Washington while still keeping the team competitive. It’s a tough balance, but maybe it’s the only way forward.

Looking Ahead: The Angels’ Future Without Washington

Washington leaving right now does raise questions about who’ll lead the team long-term. Still, the better performance in 2025 gives fans a reason to hope for lasting success.

Montgomery and Goins seem like solid leaders for now, but eventually, the Angels will need to choose a permanent manager. The Halos have some momentum and sit within reach in a tight AL West.

Managerial stability will matter if they want to keep moving forward. For now, the impact of Washington’s time in Anaheim depends on how well Montgomery and the current leadership build on what he started.

Final Thoughts

Ron Washington’s absence from the dugout hits hard. Health has to come first, even when the stakes are sky-high in pro sports.

Washington brought a ton of experience and leadership to the Angels. His decades-long legacy will stick with this team, even as Ray Montgomery and Ryan Goins try to steer through the rest of the season.

• Ron Washington steps down as the Los Angeles Angels manager, putting his health first.
• Ray Montgomery keeps leading as interim manager, and the team’s showing some life.
• Ryan Goins steps in as the Angels’ bench coach, bringing a bit more leadership to the staff.
• Washington’s exit stirs up questions about where the franchise goes next with its managerial plans.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ron Washington will not return to Angels this season, Ray Montgomery will remain interim manager