Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. The announcement made on Thursday by Yelich and the Brewers is another unfortunate twist in the career of the talented player who has struggled with persistent back issues.
Yelich, who last played on July 23, continues to battle the back problems that have plagued much of his professional career. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz and is expected to address the lower back inflammation Yelich has been dealing with since July.
Before his injury, Yelich was in the midst of a remarkable bounceback season. He posted a robust .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His performance translated to a stellar 152 OPS+ and was a crucial component of the Brewer's attack.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said. "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 loss of Yelich is a significant blow to the Brewers. Despite his absence, the team has managed to maintain solid performance, with an 11-9 record since Yelich's last game. The Brewers hold an overall standing of 69-52, boasting a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball.
The Brewers' regular lineup includes several left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. The team made efforts to secure an additional left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Despite this setback, the team’s current standings and deep roster suggest they are prepared to tackle the remainder of the season without their star 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 remarked. "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 gravity of Yelich's back issues cannot be overstated. His history of back problems has been a recurring theme, leading to this crucial decision. This year marks the fifth season of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. He stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029.
Defensively, Yelich's metrics have graded him as below average at this point in his career, adding another layer of complexity to his value assessment. Nevertheless, his offensive contributions when healthy are undeniable, and the Brewers will surely miss his presence on the field as they push towards the postseason.
"Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich concluded, reflecting the heartfelt connection between him and the fan base.
As Yelich prepares for surgery, the focus shifts to his recovery and the potential for a full return next season. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers must adapt and forge ahead as they aim to sustain their momentum and capitalize on their commanding lead in the NL Central.