Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season, with back surgery scheduled for Friday. Both Yelich and the Brewers made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the 32-year-old star needs to address persistent back issues that have dogged much of his career.
Yelich last took the field on July 23, and after extensive consultation with medical personnel, it became clear that surgery was the best path forward. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, and it is aimed at resolving the lower back inflammation that has been bothering him since July.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich stated. "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."
Before the injury, Yelich was having a stellar bounce-back season, compiling a .315/.406/.504 slash line with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His outstanding performance translated to a 152 OPS+, reminding fans and analysts of his MVP-caliber potential.
Impact on the Brewers
The Brewers have had to navigate the season without their star outfielder since late July, and they’ve managed an 11-9 record during this period. Despite not securing a left-handed replacement before the July 30 trade deadline, the Brewers have rallied to maintain their strong overall standing of 69-52. The team holds a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball.
The team's regular lineup includes several left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, showcasing depth and versatility. This has allowed the Brewers to adapt and maintain their winning momentum even without Yelich's contributions.
Yelich’s Statement
Yelich expressed his disappointment at not being able to contribute on the field during the crucial final stretch of the season. “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!”
History of Back Issues
Unfortunately for Yelich, back problems are nothing new. He has a history of dealing with similar issues, and this latest bout of lower back inflammation underscores the chronic nature of the problem. This year's surgery represents an attempt to finally put these recurring issues behind him.
The Road Ahead
This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. 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 graded him as below average at this stage of his career, the Brewers are optimistic that a fully recovered Yelich can return to being a significant offensive force.
Yelich and the organization are hopeful that the surgery will enable him to come back rejuvenated next season, ready to contribute at the high levels he’s demonstrated in the past. While this season-ending surgery is a setback, both Yelich and the Brewers seem committed to ensuring his long-term health and productivity.
As the Brewers continue to chase postseason success, the absence of Yelich is palpable. However, with a robust roster and a commanding lead in the division, the team has shown it can rise to the occasion. The fans in Milwaukee will be hoping to see their star back on the field in full health next year, as they aim to build on what has already been a memorable season.