Angels ban players from using cellphones at lockers

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington is taking a unique approach in an effort to increase team chemistry this season.

Washington said Wednesday that he's implemented a new rule prohibiting players from being on their cellphones at their lockers, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.

The move was intended to encourage more interaction and bonding between the players. Angels star Mike Trout and Zach Neto said it's already paying dividends.

Washington is entering his second season at the helm of the Angels. He led the club to a 63-99 record in 2024 as it finished in the basement of the division for the first time since 1999. The 99 losses were the most in franchise history.

The Angels were active in the offseason, adding more veterans on both sides of the ball including Jorge Soler, Yoán Moncada, Tim Anderson, Travis d'Arnaud, Yusei Kikuchi, Kyle Hendricks, and Kenley Jansen.