Angels' Ron Washington Recovering From Heart Surgery, Eyes MLB Return in 2026

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington shed some light on the health issues that have kept him away from the team since June.

Per Stephen Hawkins of the Associated Press, Washington publicly addressed his health issues for the first time on Monday and revealed that he is recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery. He added that he won't return to managing the Angels this season but is hoping to have the opportunity to be back in 2026.

Washington visited the Angels on Monday for the first time since undergoing the procedure eight weeks ago in California and recovering at his home in New Orleans.

"(Doctors) told me by the time I reach eight weeks I could start doing some light work, but my light work was to come up to Texas and be with the team," Washington said. "I feel great, I really do. ... I didn't come here to work, I came here to be around my guys and have fun with them."

At 73 years old, Washington is the oldest manager in the majors. He said he expects to be fully recovered by December.

After experiencing shortness of breath and appearing fatigued in mid-June, Washington underwent an angiogram that showed blockage in his valves that couldn't be fixed by stents, per Hawkins. He was hospitalized on June 23 before undergoing the operation on June 30 and being discharged on July 7. The Angels announced his medical leave on June 27.

"What happened to me saved my life," Washington said, adding that he quit smoking, changed his eating habits and prioritized sleeping better.

The Angels rank fourth in the AL West with a 61-69 record and will begin a series against the Texas Rangers (66-66) on Monday night.