Manager Matt Williams of the Washington Nationals argues with the home plate umpire after Jonathan Papelbon was thrown out of the game on September 23, 2015. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Nationals have fired manager Matt Williams, along with his coaching staff, after just two seasons.
The Twitter account for the team sent out this release:
The #Nats have relieved Matt Williams and his coaching staff of their duties: pic.twitter.com/I9HP64Oar9
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 5, 2015
Williams was brought on two years ago, and he managed to win the Manager of the Year his first year. But then this season happened. Deadspin writes, “The Nationals were supposed to be one of the best teams in the league and a lock for the playoffs, but the team finished 83-79 despite getting an historically great season from Bryce Harper.”
This comes on the heels of Jonathan Papelbon choking Bryce Harper and getting suspended for the entirety of the season. The Washington Post has a rundown of key decisions that may have led to his firing as well as a list of likely replacements.
