Dodgers News: Andrew Toles Expected Back in Lineup Soon

Andrew Toles fell victim to the spring injury bug, missing the past four games with a hyperextended knee.

Toles is expected to rejoin the lineup as soon as this week, according to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick.

OF Andrew Toles has missed four games with a slight knee hyperextension, expected to play late in the week.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017

It’s in Toles’ best interest to return as soon as possible. Dave Roberts named him a candidate to leadoff, and Toles is in a rather wide-open competition for playing time in the outfield. Only Joc Pederson is guaranteed a starting spot.

[graphiq id=”hPDaLtQzA1f” title=”Andrew Toles Contact Rate by Pitch Zone in 2016″ width=”600″ height=”671″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hPDaLtQzA1f” ]

For a Dodgers team always lacking in speed, Toles is a remedy. He also developed a knack for timely hitting, earning eight starts in the postseason.

Andrew Toles tweaked his batting stance. No longer does he step backward with his left foot. He's incorporated a toe tap to handle offspeed.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 23, 2017

At just 25-years-old, Toles has room to go. He only appeared in 48 games in 2016, so this season should provide a sample size worthy of previewing what Toles will become.

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