Matt Williams returns to Arizona as third base coach

By Josh Land

Nationals

November 10, 2015, 12:52pm

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After losing his job as Nationals manager on Oct. 5, Matt Williams has landed on his feet, returning to Arizona as third base coach. Williams held the same position with the Diamondbacks from 2011-2013 prior to becoming skipper in Washington.

The Nats went 96-66 in Williams' first year in the nation's capital, running away with the National League East before making an early exit in the playoffs. Still, Williams was named NL Manager of the Year in his rookie campaign as a major league skipper.

But 2015 was a trying season for Williams with the Nationals losing command of the NL East in early August and finishing the year 83-79, seven games behind the division-winning Mets. A day after the season ended, Williams was dismissed as manager. The Nationals will still pay him $1 million after picking up his 2016 option early in spring training last February.

The Nationals hired Dusty Baker - who managed Williams with the Giants - as their next skipper on Nov. 3.

Williams played the final six seasons of his 17-year career in Arizona, winning a World Series title with the Diamondbacks in 2001. He held numerous other positions within the organization after his playing days ended.

The Nationals play a three-game series in Arizona Aug. 1-3 next year. Williams makes his return to Nationals Park Sept. 26-29 when the Diamondbacks visit D.C.