Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey works against the New York Mets during the first inning of interleague baseball action in Toronto on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Dickey has been placed on bereavement leave following the death of his father.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
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.