Diamondbacks GM stepping away due to wife's cancer battle

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen is taking a leave of absence while his wife battles cancer, the club announced Friday, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

Hazen will continue to serve in a consulting role. However, assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye will be responsible for day-to-day baseball operations.

In February, Hazen revealed that his wife, Nicole, was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2020 after she experienced a sudden seizure.

The 45-year-old executive said she's doing fine now, but he realized he couldn't take care of his family and fully commit to all of his duties with the club simultaneously, according to Zach Buchanan of The Athletic.

Hazen became the team's GM and executive vice president in October 2016.