Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season. The star player is set to undergo season-ending back surgery on Friday, a procedure deemed necessary after his persistent back issues once again flared up.
The announcement, made jointly by Yelich and the Brewers on Thursday, brought an end to a season that had been shaping up as a remarkable comeback for the veteran outfielder. Yelich, who has battled back problems for much of his career, last saw the field on July 23. "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich shared, underlining the seriousness of his condition.
This latest setback requires intervention from Dr. Brandon Rebholz, who will perform the procedure. Yelich’s decision to go under the knife wasn’t taken lightly. "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," he added, reflecting a long-term approach to his health and career.
Yelich had been delivering an impressive performance this season, exhibiting signs of a significant turnaround from previous years. He boasted a .315/.406/.504 slash line with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His efforts translated to a 152 OPS+, highlighting his value to the Brewers' lineup. Yet, his recurring back issues have often cast a shadow over these flashes of brilliance. This year marks the fifth season in the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed back in March 2020.
Despite Yelich's absence since late July, the Brewers have managed to stay competitive, posting an 11-9 record during that span. The team’s overall standing is currently 69-52, maintaining a nine-game lead in the highly contested NL Central. They now boast the largest division lead in baseball, a testament to the depth and resilience of the roster.
The Brewers had efforts in place to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline, but those efforts did not materialize into a successful acquisition. The team’s regular lineup still features a host of left-handed hitters, including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, who have all stepped up in Yelich's absence.
Yelich’s importance to the team, however, cannot be overstated, both offensively and as a veteran presence. Although his defensive metrics have seen a dip, grading him as below average at this stage of his career, his contributions are still invaluable. "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 admitted. He continued, expressing his faith in his teammates, "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 Brewers now face the challenge of navigating the rest of the season without one of their star players. However, their current standings and deep roster inspire confidence. This situation highlights the club's preparedness and adaptability, key traits in their pursuit of a playoff spot. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich concluded, sharing his gratitude with the fans who have rallied behind him through the ups and downs of his career.
As Yelich embarks on his journey to recovery, the Brewers aim to keep their trajectory steady, fueled by the spirit and resilience that have defined their season thus far.