R.A. Dickey on leave following father’s death

R.A. Dickey was pitching with a heavy heart for the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night.

The American League club announced this morning that their 40-year-old knuckleballer has been placed on bereavement leave following the death of his father.

Harry Lee Dickey passed away on Tuesday, the Blue Jays said in a news release without providing any more details.

According to MLB guidelines, a player may spend between three and seven days on the list.

Infielder Munrnori Kawasaki has been recalled from the team's Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo to take Dickey's spot on the roster while Dickey attends the funeral.

The news comes after Dickey put in a solid effort on the mound Thursday night at Rogers Centre where he pitched 7.1 innings, allowing just one run off three hits while striking out seven during the 7-1 win over the New York Mets.