Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. The announcement came on Thursday from Yelich and the Brewers, marking another setback in the career of the former MVP who has battled persistent back issues for much of his career.
Injury Details and Procedure
Yelich last played on July 23, and since then, he has been grappling with lower back inflammation. The surgery 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."
Strong Performance Cut Short
Before his injury, Yelich was having a remarkable bounce-back season. Through 73 games, he had compiled a .315/.406/.504 slash line, along with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases, resulting in a stellar 152 OPS+. This was quite the turnaround for Yelich, who had struggled with various injuries in previous seasons.
The Brewers acknowledged the impact of losing Yelich, who is in the fifth year of his nine-year, $215 million contract extension signed in March 2020. With significant earnings ahead, including $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, and a $20 million mutual option for 2029, the team and Yelich see the surgery as an investment in his long-term health and productivity.
Impact on the Brewers' Lineup
Yelich's absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Brewers' lineup, which features several left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. Despite efforts to secure a left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline, the Brewers were unsuccessful. Since Yelich's injury, the team has managed an 11-9 record, showcasing the resilience of their deep roster.
"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 noted. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
Current Standings and Future Outlook
The Brewers are currently in a strong position, holding a 69-52 record and leading the NL Central by nine games, the largest division lead in baseball. This considerable cushion provides some breathing room as the team navigates the rest of the season without one of their star players.
Yelich's defensive metrics have graded out as below average at this stage of his career, underscoring the significance of his offensive contributions. The Brewers' current standing and roster depth suggest they are well-equipped to handle the challenge of his absence and aim for a successful postseason run.
While the Brewers and their fans will sorely miss Yelich's presence on the field, the decision to opt for surgery reflects a long-term strategic choice aimed at ensuring he can return at full strength. With a storied career that has seen both tremendous highs and challenging lows, Yelich remains a cornerstone of the Brewers' future plans.
The current season may see him on the sidelines, but his determination to come back stronger signals optimism for what lies ahead for both Yelich and the Brewers.