Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season, announcing on Thursday that he will undergo season-ending back surgery. The procedure, scheduled for Friday and to be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, comes as Yelich continues to battle persistent back issues that have plagued much of his career.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said in a statement. "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 last took the field on July 23, capping off what had been a remarkable bounce-back season for the former MVP. In 73 games, Yelich posted an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, complemented by 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases. His performance translated to a 152 OPS+.
The Brewers' lineup, primarily composed of left-handed hitters including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, had relied heavily on Yelich’s production. Despite efforts to secure a left-handed hitter to fill the void left by Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline, the Brewers were unsuccessful.
Since Yelich's injury, Milwaukee has managed an 11-9 record. The team currently stands at 69-52, boasting a nine-game lead in the NL Central – the largest division lead in baseball. This strong position suggests the Brewers are ready to tackle the challenge without Yelich.
General Manager David Stearns and the Brewers organization remain confident in their deep roster. The team's standing and consistent performance underpin their preparedness to continue the campaign without their star outfielder.
Yelich has dealt with lower back inflammation since July and has a history of back problems, making this surgery a crucial step towards alleviating long-term concerns. This year marks the fifth of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. Under this contract, Yelich is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029.
Despite his contributions at the plate, Yelich's defensive metrics have graded him below average at this stage of his career. Nevertheless, his offensive prowess and leadership have been invaluable to the Brewers.
Yelich expressed his mixed emotions regarding the surgery and his absence from the field. "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."
He concluded with a note of gratitude: "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
While Yelich focuses on his recovery and preparing for a return next season, the Brewers face the challenge of maintaining their momentum without one of their key players. Their deep roster and current standings provide a solid foundation for the remainder of the season, as they aim to secure their hold on the NL Central and make a strong push into the playoffs.