In a significant blow to the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup, outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery. The announcement was made on Thursday by both Yelich and the Brewers.
Yelich, who has been battling persistent back issues for much of his career, last played on July 23. His latest bout of lower back inflammation has proven to be a significant setback, prompting the decision for surgery. The procedure, scheduled for Friday, will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said in a statement. "I ultimately felt it was in the best interest of myself and the Brewers to have the surgery with the expectation of being back at 100% for next season."
A Promising Season Cut Short
Before his injury, Yelich was enjoying a remarkable bounceback season. In 73 games, he posted an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, hitting 11 home runs and stealing 21 bases. His performance translated to a 152 OPS+, showcasing his significant contribution to the team's success. Unfortunately, his promising season was cut short with this latest health setback.
Despite Yelich’s absence, the Brewers have managed to stay competitive, boasting an 11-9 record since his last game. The team currently holds a 69-52 overall standing and commands a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball.
Filling the Void
The Brewers' lineup features other talented left-handed hitters, including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. However, the team was unable to secure another left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline. Despite this, the depth of the roster and the team's current standings suggest that Milwaukee is prepared to tackle the challenge without one of their star players.
"We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," Yelich expressed. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
A History of Back Issues
Yelich’s struggles with back problems are well-documented throughout his career. His latest injury, a bout of lower back inflammation since July, has further complicated his efforts to remain on the field. This unfortunate situation arises in the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed back in March 2020. He is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with his contract also including a $20 million mutual option for 2029.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, it's clear that the Brewers will need to rely on their depth and resilience as they push toward the postseason without Yelich. On a positive note, Yelich remains hopeful and expressed gratitude for the support from fans and the organization.
"Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich enthused as he concluded his statement.
With Yelich out of the lineup, the Brewers' journey through the remainder of the season will undoubtedly be challenging. However, the team’s solid standing and deep roster suggest they have the tools to navigate this period effectively. Fans and teammates alike will look forward to Yelich's return in 2025, hoping for a fully healthy and revitalized performance from the star outfielder.