Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a significant back surgery scheduled for Friday, the player and the team announced on Thursday. This decision comes as Yelich continues to grapple with ongoing back issues that have plagued much of his career.
Yelich, who last played on July 23, has been enduring lower back inflammation since July. The outfielder has a history of back problems, and this latest health setback forced considerations for a surgical intervention. Yelich's 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 revealed. "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." While he expressed disappointment at not being able to contribute on the field as the Brewers gear up for a potential postseason run, he remains optimistic about his recovery and return.
The timing is unfortunate for Yelich, who was enjoying a sensational comeback season. Before his injury, he compiled an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, along with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His performance had translated to a robust 152 OPS+.
The Brewers, however, appear well-positioned to handle his absence. The team's record since Yelich's last game stands at 11-9, and they currently hold a commanding nine-game lead in the NL Central, posting an overall standing of 69-52. This is the largest division lead in baseball presently, reflecting the depth and resilience of their roster.
Despite efforts to land a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline, the Brewers were unsuccessful. The regular lineup now relies on left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. The solid performance from these players has contributed to the Brewers maintaining their competitive edge.
"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 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. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
Yelich signed a substantial nine-year, $215 million contract extension with the Brewers in March 2020. This year marks the fifth year of this deal, and he is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his defensive metrics have shown a decline, grading him below average at this stage of his career, Yelich's offensive contributions remain significant when he is healthy.
The Brewers organization, along with their fans, will undoubtedly feel Yelich's absence. Nevertheless, the team’s performance post his injury shows they are prepared to tackle the challenge head-on. As Yelich heads into surgery, the focus remains on ensuring a full recovery and successful return to the field next season.