San Diego Padres third base coach Matt Williams is set to undergo surgery for colon cancer on Friday. Williams, who has been with the Padres since 2018, was diagnosed with the disease in January of this year.
The Padres organization released a statement on Thursday announcing that Williams will be undergoing surgery on Friday. The statement reads, “The San Diego Padres are deeply saddened to announce that third base coach Matt Williams has been diagnosed with colon cancer. He will be undergoing surgery on Friday, February 7th. We are keeping Matt and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Williams has been a part of the Padres organization since 2018, when he was hired as the team’s third base coach. Prior to joining the Padres, he served as a coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2014-2017. He also played in the Major Leagues from 1987-2003, including stints with the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that over 140,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, and that it is responsible for more than 50,000 deaths annually. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals over the age of 50 should receive regular screenings for colon cancer.
The Padres organization and its players have expressed their support for Williams during this difficult time. Outfielder Wil Myers said, “Matt is a great coach and an even better person. We’re all thinking of him and wishing him a speedy recovery.”
The Padres organization has asked fans to keep Williams in their thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery on Friday. The team will provide updates on his condition as they become available.
