Valenzuela’s Father Dies of Cancer

Avelino Valenzuela, father of Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, died Wednesday morning at his home in Mexico. He had been diagnosed several months ago as having cancer. Valenzuela, who pitched here Tuesday night, returned to Los Angeles Wednesday morning and was expected to join his family in Mexico later in the day. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president, said that he has not talked to Valenzuela and does not know whether the pitcher will miss a start. Valenzuela, who has not missed one in his eight major league seasons, is scheduled to pitch Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

“Whatever time that he needs, we’ll let him take,” Claire said.