Dodgers: Andrew Toles Takes Batting Practice in Recovery Step
by Brook Smith 04/27/2018, 6:00 AM
Andrew Toles took a big step forward in his rehab from a strained hamstring today. The man so many Dodgers fans have come to love took batting practice with Oklahoma City and looked great. Even though he will continue to sit, as the Dodgers are playing it cautiously. He will be out for ten more days before he is eligible to return to the lineup.
Andrew Toles took BP today for first time since hamstring injury. He will be out at least 10 more days. Team being cautious.
— Jacob Unruh (@jacobunruh) April 26, 2018
Fans have been crying out for Toles to be in the Dodgers' starting outfield since the onset of the season. Most people, myself included, were shocked to see him sent down to start the year. Toles was crushing the ball during Spring Training, even if he wasn't slated to become the starter. Most envisioned him as the platoon bench piece to pair with Matt Kemp.
Instead, that spot went to Joc Pederson, who has had an underwhelming showing through the first few weeks. Pederson is hitting 217 with just one home run, though his strikeout percentage seems to be down quite a bit. Toles was 6-26 with five extra-base hits before landing on the disabled list. Toles will stick around the minor leagues for a bit longer. His thoughts on it all?
Toles said he isn't frustrated. "I'm just bored."
Many initially thought that Toles would occupy leftfield over Matt Kemp, for obvious reasons. But Kemp is holding down his position nicely, rewarding the faithful with a 313 batting average and 4 home runs. He has also driven in 12 runs and has an OPS of 150. Have a year Matt Kemp.
If Toles returns healthy and can continue to perform, Joc Pederson will almost certainly be the odd man out. Quite frankly, it's surprising to see how much faith Dave Roberts has placed in him this far into the season. That should change when Justin Turner, Logan Forsythe, and Andrew Toles are all healthy.
Written by Brook Smith
Brook is the Senior Editor of Dodgers Nation, with several years of experience in sports journalism. He is an avid Dodgers and Lakers fan, and can be spotted fairly often at Dodger Stadium and Staples Center.
BEN DE MARZO says:
BROOK SMITH…….THIS WAS WRITTEN…APRIL 27TH……WE ARE NOW WAITING FOR "ANDREW TOLES"……TODAY IS LONG PAST—-10 MORE DAYS…PS..HE WENT ON–MINOR LEAGUE DL—–..APRIL…14TH..2018…..PLEASE FOR US HIS FANS…AND THE..#FREETOLES….SOCIETY…..CAN YOU CONTACT..THE DODGERS..HERE IN L.A OR IN OKC..PLEASE?