The Los Angeles Dodgers are mourning the death of Waymon Roberts, the father of manager Dave Roberts, who passed away at the age of 68. Dave Roberts has left the team to be with his family during the difficult time.
The Dodgers, who play a pair of split-squad games on Friday night, will be managed by bench coach Bob Geren and Triple-A Oklahoma City manager Bill Hasselman. It has not yet been announced who will travel with the club to Peoria Sports Complex for the matchup with the San Diego Padres.
A timeline has not been given for Roberts’ return. Los Angeles does not break camp at Camelback Ranch until Tuesday, March 29.
Waymon spent nearly three decades serving in the Marines and relocating from one military base to another, including being stationed in Southern California on multiple occasions, Hawaii and returning to Okinawa. Waymon met his wife Eiko in Okinawa, where Dave was born.
The Roberts family was on hand when the Dodgers held the formal press conference to introduce their new manager in December 2015. Waymon also attended several Dodgers home games last season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family during this difficult time.