Dodgers renew Andrew Toles' contract as he deals with mental health issues

Mar. 12—GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Almost two years since he last wore a uniform at extended spring training and 2-1/2 since he last played in a game, Andrew Toles remains a member of the Dodgers organization.

For the second year in a row, the Dodgers renewed Toles' contract at close to the major-league minimum this week (approximately $583,000). Toles remains on the Restricted List, however, and does not draw any salary (or occupy a roster spot). But the procedural move could maintain access to healthcare for Toles who continues to receive intermittent treatment for mental health issues.

Officials with the Dodgers and the union would not comment on Toles' situation. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman would say only that nothing had changed in Toles' status.

Toles, now 28, has battled mental health issues throughout his life, nonetheless making the major leagues with the Dodgers in 2016-18. But he failed to report to spring training with the Dodgers in 2019, showing up later to the extended spring camp only to leave shortly after reporting.

According to a USA Today article quoting Toles' family, Andrew had spent time in at least 20 mental health facilities since 2019 with multiple encounters with law enforcement as well. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Last June, Toles was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of trespassing when police found him sleeping behind a building near the airport in Key West, Florida. On the arrest report, Toles' address was listed as "the streets of Key West."

Recently, those charges were dropped with the acknowledgment that Toles was receiving treatment for his mental health issues.

Friedman (who was GM of the Tampa Bay Rays when Toles was drafted by the Rays in 2012) has called Toles' situation "heartbreaking," adding that he has the "full support" of the Dodgers organization.

EYE EXAM

For the second consecutive start this spring, right-hander Trevor Bauer closed one eye during his delivery at times on Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners. Bauer struggled with his command early in the game, walked four and hit a batter — the latter while closing his right eye during his delivery.

"My right eye wasn't really, like, focusing well for whatever reason," Bauer said by way of explanation. "So I did some CO2 exhalation stuff and kind of locked that back in. Not sure if it was the lighting or what it was but I felt like my head was swimming. So I got that locked back in.

"My delivery was just out of whack too a little bit in the first. I was rushing a little bit probably trying to throw a little bit too hard out of the gate. Something obviously I've emphasized this spring is trying to make sure that I step on the velocity pedal a little bit just to make sure that I'm in the ranges I need to be."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he didn't think Bauer was struggling with "a specific eye thing" that might signal a vision issue that would require a visit to an optometrist but was just using this as a technique to get "back online" with his mechanics, something he does often during bullpen sessions between starts.

Roberts has said there is a "method to his madness" in everything Bauer does, calling him "a perfectionist." But Roberts acknowledged he wouldn't be too happy as a batter if he was hit by a pitcher who was throwing with only eye open.

"Yeah, I wouldn't feel too comfortable, to be quite honest," Roberts said. "But I know that Trevor's done that numerous times. It was a breaking ball. So I think that he has enough feel that he wasn't throwing a fastball. I don't know. I don't know. But to your question, I wouldn't be too crazy about it."

ALSO

Left-hander David Price pitched two innings in relief Friday, his second relief appearance this spring. Roberts said Price will likely start his next game.

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