Back during the 2016 season, Andrew Toles unexpectedly made his MLB debut and went on to become a fixture in left field with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He represented a tremendous comeback story that included falling out of baseball all together despite being a former top prospect.
Toles was expected to take on an even larger role in 2017, but a torn ACL cut his season short and wound up throwing the redemption arc off course. Unfortunately, Toles’ troubles have become more personal over the past year.
Toles was arrested last June in Florida when he was found sleeping behind a Federal Express building located at Key West International Airport. Police offers wrote in their report that Toles was given multiple opportunities to leave the premises before arresting him on a misdemeanor charge of trespassing.
The incident was attributed to Toles’ battle with mental health issues. As he continues to receive occasional treatment, the Dodgers renewed their contract with the outfielder, per Ronald Blum of the Associated Press:
Others renewed Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen ($607,500/$287,500), Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andrew Toles ($583,500/$93,000), Atlanta pitcher Ian Anderson ($575,500/$142,978) and Oakland catcher Sean Murphy ($575,500/$281,750).
Although the Dodgers placed Toles on the restricted list in 2019 for what was described as personal reasons, keeping a contract in place allows him to maintain access to healthcare services.
The 28-year-old appeared in 96 games over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, batting .286/.333/.459 with 14 doubles, eight home runs and 35 RBI.
Turner among Dodgers who offered support to Toles
Once news of Toles’ arrest in Florida became known, several members of the Dodgers organization offered their support both privately and publicly. Among them were Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Justin Turner.
Friedman’s relationship with Toles dated back to selecting him for the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
