Dodgers Rumors: Five Dodgers who could break out in 2017
By Evan Lovett
Andrew Toles – Outfield
When Andrew Toles made his debut with the Dodgers, the comeback story was complete. As Vin Scully was calling the left-handed outfielder’s stand-up double, “what a way to break in,” it is Toles that ended up breaking out during the pennant chase and postseason.
Toles batted .314 with an .870 OPS in his limited time with the Dodgers, but was impactful enough to warrant the starting role in left field during the playoffs.
All the more incredible, Toles was out of baseball one year prior, working frozen foods and waking up at four in the morning. Fortuitously, fate – and Kapler – intervened, and convinced the one-time Rays prospect to give it a shot with the Dodgers.
The outfielder rocketed through the minors, hitting .331 and stealing 23 bases over the course of three levels. His maturity was evident, and the composure and poise enabled him to excel all the way through the big league level. He will surely begin the year in Dodgers camp, but the crowded outfield may preclude him from seeing a starting role throughout the season.
Toles is talented enough and valuable enough as a prospect – Toles still maintains rookie status in 2017 – that Roberts will make sure he gets his at-bats, whether it be in left, center or right field.