Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Plans to Make Scheduled Start Despite Mother’s Death

Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw is expected to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday despite the death of his mother on Saturday.

Kershaw’s wife, Ellen Kershaw, announced the passing of the pitcher’s mother, Marianne Tombaugh, during a ceremony on Sunday, in which Kershaw’s foundation, Kershaw’s Challenge, dedicated a pair of refurbished baseball fields in Inglewood, Calif.

During Ellen’s address, she touched on how Tombaugh was always an avid supporter of Kershaw throughout his upbringing in baseball. 

“One person in particular cultivated that love in Clayton, his dear momma, Marianne, who moved mountains to get him to baseball practice and games. She sat front row cheering him on not so subtly and kept score in a book to keep her nerves at bay,” she said, via Sports Central LA. 

Tombaugh’s age and cause of death haven’t yet been reported.

Kershaw declined to discuss the topic with reporters on Sunday after the Dodgers closed out a series sweep of the Padres.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Kershaw is expected to take the mound on Tuesday against the Twins but could potentially go on the bereavement list after that outing.

“It’s not surprising,” said Roberts when asked about Kershaw wanting to pitch on Tuesday, via Los Angeles Times. “Once he makes his start, I’m sure there’s gonna be some things that are gonna take place he’ll take part in, a ceremony or service, if that’s what they choose.”

This season, Kershaw owns a 2.36 ERA through his first eight starts, registering 56 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings.