The Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. This development, announced by Yelich and the Brewers on Thursday, is the latest chapter in Yelich's ongoing battle with persistent back issues that have dogged his career.
Yelich, who last played on July 23, opted for the procedure after careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel. Dr. Brandon Rebholz will perform the surgery. Yelich expressed his rationale clearly, stating, "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery." He added, "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."
Despite his injuries, Yelich was enjoying a remarkable bounceback season, boasting a .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. This stellar performance translated to an impressive 152 OPS+. However, the lower back inflammation that resurfaced in July proved too debilitating to ignore.
Reflecting on missing out on crucial playing time, Yelich shared his disappointment but remained optimistic. "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," he said. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
The Brewers have tried to adapt to Yelich’s absence with some agility. The regular lineup includes capable left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. Although the team attempted to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline, they were unsuccessful.
Since Yelich's injury, the Brewers have managed an 11-9 record, showcasing their resilience. Their overall standing is a robust 69-52, and they enjoy a commanding nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball.
This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. Yelich remains a significant investment for the Brewers, with $26 million annually slated from 2025 to 2028 and a $20 million mutual option for 2029. As his defensive metrics now grade below average, Yelich's offensive contributions become even more critical, emphasizing the importance of his full recovery.
Despite Yelich’s absence, the Brewers' deep roster and their current standings suggest they are prepared to face the challenge head-on. Yelich himself seems confident in his team’s capability, closing his statement with words of encouragement. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" he declared.
As Yelich undergoes surgery and begins his road to recovery, the focus shifts to the Brewers' drive to maintain their lead and push deep into the postseason. The team, buoyed by their depth and determination, will undoubtedly miss Yelich's on-field contributions but remains in a strong position to navigate the remaining season successfully.