MLB Weekly Digest: Angels Manager Done for Season, Former All Star Sentenced

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This week in MLB featured the Los Angeles Angels manager stepping away for the season, a former All-Star sentenced to prison, a fan interaction with an Arizona star, and the passing of a future Hall of Famer.

Ron Washington to remain on medical leave –

“There’s some resiliency, there’s some toughness, and that’s exactly what Ron is.” pic.twitter.com/hhTIoYR9Qg

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 27, 2025

The Angels announced on Friday afternoon that manager Ron Washington will remain on medical leave for the remainder of the 2025 season. Washington, 73, has been on leave since June 20 with an undisclosed medical issue.

Washington experienced shortness of breath after their June 19 game in New York. He was placed on leave following tests the following day.

In his second season as manager, Washington’s Angels currently sit at 41-42, 8.5 games behind the front-running Houston Astros in the AL West division.

Ray Montgomery, amid his fourth season as Angels bench coach, has taken over as interim manager.

Wander Franco sentenced in Dominican Republic –

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor on Thursday and received a two-year suspended prison sentence.

The former All-Star has not played in MLB since 2023 after he was accused and has now been found guilty of a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21.

Franco, 24, will not receive prison time due to the suspension of his sentence. This can change if he violates the conditions, mainly by avoiding contact with minors with sexual intent.

Still in the middle of an 11-year, $182 million contract, Franco is on the restricted list, not being paid, and could potentially be suspended by MLB in violation of the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy.

In order for a return to MLB and be removed from the restricted list, Franco would need to obtain a work visa, which, due to his sentencing, will become difficult. This all points to the unlikelihood of a return for the former No. 1 overall prospect.

Fan banned after heckling Ketel Marte –

Arizona Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte was visibly emotional during Tuesday night’s game in Chicago vs the White Sox.

According to Marte in an interview, the fan said, “I sent your mom a text last night.” Marte said that the line is crossed when bringing up his late mother, who passed in a car accident in 2017.

Ketel Marte says the fan yelled “I sent your mom a text last night”

Marte said it crosses the line when a fan speaks about his late mother, especially in Chicago because that’s where he was when she passed in 2017 pic.twitter.com/M9FJ9GuOTU

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 27, 2025

Marte was already emotional in the city of Chicago, because that is where he was when he found out the news of his mother’s passing.

The fan, who is 22 years old, has received an indefinite ban from every MLB stadium due to his comments towards Marte.

The fan who taunted Ketel Marte about his mother has been banned indefinitely from MLB ballparks pic.twitter.com/UQFwlRRtEk

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 25, 2025

The second baseman was showered with love and support from the baseball community, including a message from the White Sox and a standing ovation Friday when the club returned home to Arizona.

The White Sox showed their support for Ketel Marte with a scoreboard message during his first at bat today pic.twitter.com/08G46PvFEF

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 25, 2025

We love you, Ketel ???? pic.twitter.com/ztWoOuO2Ov

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 28, 2025

Dave Parker passes away at 74 –

We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Hall of Fame electee Dave Parker.

“The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.

A… pic.twitter.com/i1EMrjDvkM

— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025

One of the soon-to-be newest members of the baseball Hall of Fame, Dave Parker, passed away Saturday. Parker, known as ‘The Cobra,’ was elected to the Hall in January.

Parker, a 7-time all-star, MVP winner, 3-time silver slugger, and 2-time World Series champion, was known for his bat and athleticism in the outfield.

No specific details as to his death were announced, although he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012.

Mostly known for his days as a Pittsburgh Pirate, Parker will still be recognized as a Hall of Famer on July 27th in Cooperstown.

“Yeah, I cried,” Parker said after receiving the news that he was elected to the Hall. “It only took a few minutes, because I don’t cry.”

Parker finished his career with a .290 batting average, 2712 hits, and 339 home runs in 2466 games played.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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