Dodgers have nice gesture for troubled ex-outfielder
The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to win the World Series this past season, but they are still acting like champions in one regard.
The Dodgers decided last week to renew the contract of troubled former outfielder Andrew Toles, who has battled mental health issues and has not played for the team since 2018. Blake Williams of Dodger Blue noted that keeping Toles under contract allows the Dodgers to continue providing him with access to healthcare services and financial support.
The 29-year-old Toles made his MLB debut for the Dodgers in 2016 and looked like a promising outfield depth piece with a .314 batting average and .870 OPS in 43 appearances that year. But he has not appeared in a game for nearly four years now due to his personal struggles.
Toles was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in 2018. He eventually became homeless and was arrested on trespassing charges after a 2020 incident at Key West International Airport. You can read more about Toles’ mental health battle in this USA Today piece from that year.
Toles has remained under contract with the Dodgers throughout that time though, as the team continues to do everything they can to get their beloved ex-player back on the mend. While many dislike the Dodgers for the absurd level of talent and payroll dollars that they have amassed, their organization at least has a history of making classy moves like this one.
Photo: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
