Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon celebrated a 2-1 victory over the Oakland A’s on Sunday, but he did so with a heavy heart.
McClendon’s sister, Angela Price, died Wednesday at the age of 44 from undisclosed health issues. She was the youngest of McClendon’s 11 siblings.
McClendon announced Sunday that he will miss the Mariners’ three-game home series Monday through Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers so he can fly to Gary, Ind. to attend the funeral services.
Bench coach Trent Jewett will manage the club in McClendon’s absence. McClendon expects to rejoin the team Thursday for the series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels.
Seattle is 38-44 in McClendon’s second season as manager after he guided the Mariners to an 87-75 record last year, a 16-game improvement from 2013.