Dodgers Manager Not Surprised By Clayton Kershaw's Decision to Pitch After Death of Mother

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw faced some awful news over the weekend. His mother, Marianne passed away on Saturday morning. Clayton's wife Ellen shared the news at a Dodgers Dream Field unveiling in Inglewood.

Despite the heavy heart, Kershaw will still take his next turn in the rotation on Tuesday against the Twins before likely stepping away from the team for a few days as he tends to matters. His dedication to the team is appreciated but not surprising to manager Dave Roberts.

“It’s not surprising. And then, 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.”

Roberts expressed his support for Kershaw, acknowledging the difficulty of losing a parent. "When you're dealing with the passing of a parent, that's up there as tough as it gets."

In related news, rookie pitcher Gavin Stone was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday, and could potentially join the Dodgers on their upcoming 3 city road trip while Kershaw is away. There's also the matter of Noah Syndergaard's not yet fully healed right index finger would, if it blows up again in his start tonight at Dodger Stadium, could put another massive burden on the bullpen.

Ellen Kershaw Speaks About Clayton's Mother

Clayton's wife Ellen spoke warmly about Clayton's mother, Marianne at the unveiling of the 59th and 60th Dodgers Dreamfields in Los Angeles.

“Clayton grew up with a baseball in his hand ready to play a game in a sandlot or on a ballfield just like this one on a moment’s notice,” Ellen said on Saturday. “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."

"So today we dedicate this field to his mom who passed and went to be with the Lord this morning. She experienced no greater joy than watching her son grow into the man, the philanthropist, the father, and the ballplayer that he is today."