Dodgers Partner with Andrew Toles’ Family to Support Their Former Outfielder
The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a sensitive situation involving former player Andrew Toles, who has been grappling with significant mental health challenges. Once a promising outfielder for the team, Toles has been on the restricted list since 2019 after he did not report to spring training that year. It was later disclosed that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
To support Toles, the Dodgers have annually renewed his contract since then, allowing him to maintain his health insurance while ensuring he did not occupy a roster spot. However, this arrangement has recently become untenable, prompting the team to engage with Toles’ family to determine the best path forward.
In a statement to the media, the Dodgers expressed their commitment to working with Toles’ family, saying, “Continuing with the previous setup was no longer possible due to eligibility. The Toles family has asked that Andrew’s privacy be respected. Out of respect to the Toles family, we will not comment any further.”
Toles, who will turn 34 in May, was acquired by the Dodgers in late 2015 after being released by the Tampa Bay Rays. He made a notable impact in his first season, batting .314 in 48 games. His performance peaked during the 2016 playoffs, where he boasted a .364 average, contributing significantly across 11 postseason games.
The outfielder’s trajectory took a downturn in 2017 when an ACL tear cut his season short after just 31 games. Toles struggled further in 2018, appearing in only 17 games. By 2020, his circumstances had worsened considerably; he was found sleeping behind a building at Key West International Airport in Florida and subsequently taken to a mental health facility.
Toles’ father, Alvin, has reported that Andrew is in a “zombie-like” state due to his condition, sharing the challenges they face. “We are having challenges,” Alvin told USA Today in 2021. “I just want him to have a chance in life. That’s all. Just to be healthy, live a normal life.”
The MLB utilizes the restricted list to manage players unable to participate for non-baseball reasons, including personal issues. Notably, veteran pitcher Salomon Torres spent several years on the restricted list before returning to the majors, highlighting the complexities of player eligibility and mental health challenges within the sport.
