Padres Coach Matt Williams Diagnosed With Colon Cancer, Will Take Leave of Absence

San Diego Padres third base coach Matt Williams has been diagnosed with colon cancer and will take a leave of absence from the team after Opening Day, manager Bob Melvin told reporters Wednesday.

The Padres open the 2023 campaign on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park.

Williams, who said his initial scan showed no spreading, is set to undergo surgery on Friday and "has the full support of the team," Melvin added.

"I've known him for over 35 years," Melvin said, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "He might be the toughest guy I've ever come across in baseball. I know he is going to give this the fiercest effort of his life and is going to beat this."

Williams received the diagnosis about three weeks ago after his spring training physical revealed a low red blood cell count, which led to further tests and the discovery of a mass in his colon.

The 57-year-old is experiencing no symptoms and had spent all of spring training with the Padres. His return to the team at some point this season has not been ruled out.

Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt will take over for Williams at third base on an interim basis.

Since joining the Padres ahead of the 2022 campaign as an advisor to the team's staff, Shildt has filled in as third base coach, first base coach and bench coach on an interim basis because of absences at those respective positions.

Williams has served as San Diego's third base coach since the 2022 season. He was also a third base coach under Melvin for the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and has managerial experience with the Washington Nationals and Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization.

Before becoming a coach, Williams spent 17 seasons (1987-2003) playing in MLB for the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Guardians. He won a World Series with the D-Backs in 2001, was a four-time Silver Slugger, four-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star.

The Padres are expected to be one of the top teams in the National League this year following the additions of Xander Bogaerts and Nelson Cruz, in addition to the return of Fernando Tatis Jr., who will be eligible to play again on April 20 after serving a suspension for violating MLB's perform-enhancing drug policy.