The Dodgers are doing what they can to help former player Andrew Toles as he battles mental illness.
The 30 year-old has been re-signed by the Dodgers for the fifth straight season according to the Los Angeles Times, allowing him to maintain the team’s health insurance.
Toles played all three of his MLB seasons with the Dodgers from 2016-18 but hasn’t been with the organization since.
In 2020, he was found homeless in Key West, Fla. and was charged with trespassing before being released to his father’s care.
“It’s really crazy to say, but the mug shot, really, was the best thing ever,” Andrew’s sister, Morgan Toles, told USA Today in 2020. “We didn’t know whether he was dead or alive.”
When Alvin Toles spoke with USA Today in 2021, he informed them that his son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia — and it hasn’t been easy for them.
“We are having challenges, but nothing that God and I can’t handle.” Toles said. “Schizophrenia, it’s just so tough. I mean, he can’t even watch TV. He hears voices and the TV at the same time, so it’s kind of confusing.
“I’ve seen him looking at some baseball games on his laptop, but I don’t think he really understands what’s going on.”
His father described the condition as “zombie-like” while his sister went on to say Andrew has been in more than 20 mental health facilities over the past four years.
During the Dodgers’ 2016 playoff run, Toles became a fan favorite with his heroic play.
He opened up the 2017 season as leadoff hitter and starting left fielder before tearing his ACL.
While Toles will not receive a salary, the health insurance can go a long way while his family ensures he gets the care he needs.