Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday, a development that shakes the foundation of the Brewers' season as they eye the playoffs.
The announcement came on Thursday, as Yelich and the Brewers disclosed the decision following extensive consultations with medical personnel. "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."
Yelich, who last played on July 23, has been relentlessly battling persistent back issues that have plagued much of his career. His latest struggle with lower back inflammation traces back to earlier this July. It has now necessitated an intervention by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, who will perform the surgery. Despite these challenges, Yelich was enjoying a remarkable bounceback season with an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games, translating to a robust 152 OPS+.
The Brewers tried to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Despite this setback, the team has managed a respectable 11-9 record in Yelich's absence, bringing their overall standing to 69-52. The Brewers currently boast the largest division lead in baseball, with a nine-game advantage in the NL Central.
Yelich’s importance to the team cannot be understated. "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."
The Brewers' deep roster, featuring left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, provides a cushion to absorb the impact of Yelich's absence. Yet, Yelich's performance and leadership are irreplaceable. His defensive metrics may have graded him below average, but his offensive prowess this season has been a cornerstone for the Brewers.
This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020, underscoring the long-term commitment the Brewers have made to their star player. With Yelich set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, and a $20 million mutual option for 2029, the Brewers are keen on a fully recovered Yelich anchoring their lineup in the future.
As the dependable outfielder prepares for surgery, the Brewers must rally to maintain their stronghold in the division and advance through the postseason. Yelich remains optimistic about his recovery and the team's prospects. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" he concluded.
Indeed, the road ahead for the Brewers will be challenging without Yelich patrolling the outfield and generating offense from the heart of the lineup. However, the team's current standings and deep roster give them a fighting chance to extend their season's success while awaiting their star player's return.