Williams Is Released by Diamondbacks

Matt Williams, the last of the original Arizona Diamondbacks and a five-time All-Star with 378 career home runs, has played his final game with the team.

The Diamondbacks announced Sunday that the 37-year-old third baseman has been designated for assignment. The move follows the team’s acquisition of third baseman Shea Hillenbrand from Boston for pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim.

“With the trade for Hillenbrand, it became apparent there just wasn’t going to be any meaningful playing time for Matty,” General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said.

Williams, in his 16th major league season, was told of the decision Saturday night, after Arizona’s 8-7 loss in San Diego. A four-time Gold Glove winner, he was hitting .246 in 44 games this season, with four home runs and 16 runs batted in.

The Diamondbacks have 10 days to trade Williams. After that, he becomes a free agent, with Arizona still responsible for the $10 million he earns this season, the final year of his contract.

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Pedro Astacio was put on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets because of tendinitis in his right shoulder that has bothered him since spring training. Left-hander Mike Bacsik will take Astacio’s spot in the rotation.... St. Louis Cardinal closer Jason Isringhausen probably will go on a rehab assignment after throwing to hitters for the third time in a six-day span. However, the Cardinals might activate Isringhausen after a bullpen session Tuesday, skip his rehab assignment and use him in middle relief until he rounds into form.