Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 MLB season, following an announcement on Thursday detailing his upcoming back surgery. The procedure, scheduled for Friday, will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz.
This latest setback marks another chapter in Yelich's long-standing battle with back issues, which have frequently interrupted his career. The All-Star last took the field on July 23, and has been dealing with lower back inflammation since then. Despite the persistent challenges, Yelich had been enjoying a remarkable comeback season.
Before his injury, Yelich boasted an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, along with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games, contributing to a 152 OPS+. Yelich himself acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize his health for the long-term benefit.
"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."
For the Brewers, losing Yelich is a significant blow, yet they have managed to stay competitive. Since his departure, the team has recorded an 11-9 game streak, maintaining an overall standing of 69-52. Even without their star outfielder, the Brewers remain in a strong position, holding a nine-game lead in the NL Central—the largest division lead in baseball.
The organization had attempted to secure another left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline to fill the void left by Yelich's absence but were unsuccessful. Nonetheless, the team's depth provides some cushion. Milwaukee’s current lineup includes left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang.
Yelich, who signed a nine-year, $215 million contract extension with the Brewers in March 2020, is currently in the fifth year of that deal. He stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. Despite earning accolades for his offensive prowess, Yelich's defensive metrics have recently graded him as below average.
Still, Yelich remains optimistic about both his recovery and the Brewers' prospects for 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," he 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."
The Brewers' resilience will be put to the test, but their performance thus far suggests they are up to the challenge. With a solid lead in their division and a deep roster, Milwaukee aims to continue its strong season, even as they await Yelich's return to full health in the future.
Yelich also took a moment to express his gratitude: "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
As Milwaukee continues its campaign, they will do so with the encouragement and support of a cherished teammate watching from the sidelines, hopeful for the future and ready to return to form.