Milwaukee Brewers' star outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the rest of the 2024 MLB season, as he prepares to undergo season-ending back surgery. The procedure is scheduled for Friday and will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz. This decision comes after a prolonged struggle with persistent back issues that have affected much of Yelich's career.
Yelich, a key player for the Brewers, last took the field on July 23. Despite his ongoing health challenges, he was having a remarkable bounce-back season with an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, complemented by 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His outstanding performance resulted in a 152 OPS+, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's lineup.
The severity of Yelich's back problems became evident as the season progressed. "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." The announcement, made on Thursday, underscores the difficult decision faced by the athlete and the team.
With Yelich sidelined, the Brewers have relied on their depth to fill the void left in the lineup. Left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang have stepped up to take on more prominent roles. The team attempted to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Despite this, the Brewers have managed an 11-9 record since Yelich's injury and currently hold a nine-game lead in the NL Central, boasting the largest division lead in baseball.
Yelich's resilience and positive outlook remain unwavering as he faces another setback. "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 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."
This year marks the fifth season of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension that Yelich signed in March 2020. The contract ensures he will earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028 and includes a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his defensive metrics have graded him out as below average at this stage of his career, Yelich's offensive prowess and leadership both on and off the field have been invaluable to the Brewers.
The team's overall standing of 69-52 further reflects their resilience and ability to maintain a strong performance despite the absence of one of their key players. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich concluded in his heartfelt message to the fans.
The Brewers, equipped with a deep roster and a commanding lead in their division, appear prepared to tackle the remainder of the season without Yelich. His anticipated return at full strength next season is a beacon of hope for both Yelich and the Brewers as they aim to build on their current success.