ARLINGTON, Texas — Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington publicly confirmed Monday that he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery eight weeks ago. The 73-year-old, the oldest manager in Major League Baseball, shared the news during a visit with the team, his frist since the operation.

Washington, recovering at his home in New Orleans, stated he feels “great” and anticipates a full recovery by December. While he won’t return to manage this season, he expressed a strong desire to be back in the dugout in 2026.

Timeline of Events

The health issues surfaced during a four-game series against the New York Yankees in June. Washington experienced shortness of breath and fatigue, leading to his absence from the dugout after a 7-3 loss on June 19th.

Initially,Yankees doctors cleared Washington to travel home with the team,despite suggesting he remain in new York for further observation. However,subsequent tests in California revealed significant blockages in his heart valves – blockages that stents could not resolve,necessitating bypass surgery.

“This happened fast,” Washington said,underscoring the sudden nature of the diagnosis and the need for immediate intervention.

Understanding Quadruple Bypass Surgery

Quadruple bypass surgery is a serious procedure performed to restore blood flow to the heart. It involves grafting healthy blood vessels from another part of the body (often the leg or chest) to bypass blocked coronary arteries. The “quadruple” designation indicates that four arteries were bypassed.

Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), key risk factors for CAD include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease
• Lack of physical activity

Recovery from quadruple bypass surgery typically takes several weeks to months, involving a gradual return to activity under the guidance of a cardiologist. Full recovery, as Washington anticipates by December, allows for a return to normal daily activities and, in his case, the demanding schedule of a Major League Baseball manager.

Impact on the Los Angeles Angels

Washington’s absence has been felt by the Angels, who have been led by interim manager Phil Nevin. Nevin, previously the Angels’ third base coach