Christian Yelich's Season Cut Short by Back Surgery
In a blow to the Milwaukee Brewers' 2024 MLB season, outfielder Christian Yelich will be sidelined for the rest of the year. The Brewers and Yelich announced on Thursday that he will undergo season-ending back surgery, scheduled for Friday, a decision reached after battling persistent back issues for much of his career.
Yelich, who last took the field on July 23, has been dealing with lower back inflammation since July. Despite his absence from the lineup, the Brewers managed to hold their ground, with an 11-9 record since he was sidelined. Currently, the Brewers stand at 69-52, boasting the largest division lead in baseball with a nine-game advantage in the NL Central.
"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's 2024 season was shaping up to be a remarkable one before his injury. He posted a .315/.406/.504 slash line along with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. These contributions translated to a stellar 152 OPS+, signaling a powerful bounceback season for the celebrated outfielder.
"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 added. "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 surgery, to be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, aims to put an end to the recurring back problems that have marred Yelich's career. This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in March 2020. Under this contract, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029.
Yelich's absence leaves a gap in the Brewers' lineup. The team attempted to secure a left-handed hitter to replace him before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Their roster still includes left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, who will need to step up in Yelich's stead.
Yelich acknowledged the depth and strength of the Brewers’ roster, expressing confidence that his teammates could handle the challenge. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" he said, addressing the fans with optimism for the road ahead.
The Brewers, despite this setback, have shown resilience. Their continued strong performance will be crucial as they aim to maintain their division lead and compete for postseason success. While Yelich's defense metrics have graded below average at this point in his career, his offensive capabilities have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
As the Brewers press on without their star outfielder, they reflect on Yelich's significant contributions and look forward to his return next season, hopefully in full health and form. The fans and the team alike will miss his presence on the field, but his return is anticipated with hope and high expectations.