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 Milwaukee Brewers were dealt a significant blow on Thursday when outfielder Christian Yelich announced that he would miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery set for Friday. Persistent back issues, which have plagued much of Yelich's career, have once again sidelined the star player, marking another chapter in his ongoing battle with lower back inflammation.
Yelich, who last played on July 23, has been a pillar for the Brewers, providing both leadership and performance on the field. Before his injury, he was enjoying a remarkable bounce-back season, displaying impressive statistics with a .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His contributions translated to a stellar 152 OPS+, reaffirming his importance to the team's success.
The procedure to address Yelich's back issues will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, a move the outfielder deemed necessary after "careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel." In a statement, Yelich expressed his disappointment at not being able to contribute down the stretch but emphasized it was the best decision for his long-term health and future with the Brewers. "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," said Yelich.
"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," Yelich added. While he will be absent from the field, Yelich conveyed his confidence in his teammates and offered his continued support for the team: "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch. 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!"
Despite Yelich's absence since July, the Brewers have managed to maintain their competitive edge, posting an 11-9 record. This resilience has been crucial, as the team currently holds a 69-52 overall standing and a commanding nine-game lead in the NL Central. In fact, the Brewers boast the largest division lead in baseball, a testament to their depth and ability to persevere through adversity.
The Brewers' regular lineup includes a number of left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. The team made efforts to secure a left-handed hitter to fill the void left by Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Nonetheless, the Brewers have demonstrated that they are prepared to tackle the challenge without their star outfielder.
Yelich, who is in the fifth year of a nine-year, $215 million contract extension signed in March 2020, will continue to be a key figure for the Brewers moving forward. The contract, which runs through 2028 with Yelich earning $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, also includes a $20 million mutual option for 2029. Despite his current defensive metrics grading below average, Yelich's offensive prowess remains a critical asset for the team.
The Brewers' ability to adapt to Yelich's absence and continue their strong performance speaks volumes about the team's depth and resilience. As they forge ahead, Yelich will undoubtedly be missed, but his optimism and support from the sidelines will bolster the team's morale. The organization and fans alike look forward to his full recovery and return to the lineup next season, where he aims to be at 100% and ready to contribute once again.
In the meantime, the Brewers' journey through the rest of the season will be a testament to their fortitude and determination, qualities that have been the hallmark of their 2024 campaign.