Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery. The announcement came on Thursday, as Yelich and the Brewers broke the news, which marks a significant blow to the team as they approach the climax of the season.
Yelich, who has been grappling with persistent back issues throughout his career, was last seen in action on July 23. The decision to undergo surgery comes after extensive deliberation and consultation with medical personnel. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, with hopes that it will eliminate the chronic back issues that have hindered Yelich’s performance over the past few seasons.
"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."
Yelich was in the midst of a commendable bounce-back season, evidenced by a stellar .315/.406/.504 slash line, along with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His remarkable form translated to a 152 OPS+, reinforcing his status as a crucial component of the Brewers' lineup. However, his recurring back inflammation, which has been a significant concern since July, necessitated this drastic measure.
The Brewers have attempted to mitigate the impact of Yelich’s absence by turning to their existing pool of left-handed hitters, including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. Despite concerted efforts to secure an additional left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline, the team was unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, the Brewers have shown resilience in Yelich's absence, maintaining an 11-9 record since he was sidelined. With a solid overall standing of 69-52, the Brewers sit comfortably atop the NL Central, boasting the largest division lead in baseball—nine games clear of their rivals. This strong position demonstrates the depth and capability of the roster, despite the loss of one of its key players.
Yelich, who signed a nine-year, $215 million contract extension with the Brewers in March 2020, is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028. His contract also includes a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his defensive metrics have graded him as below average at this point in his career, his offensive production remains invaluable to the team.
"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 expressed. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
Yelich's surgery and subsequent recovery period will be closely monitored, with the expectation that he will return strong for the next season. His absence in the closing stretch of the season is undoubtedly a significant loss, but the Brewers' robust lead and talented roster provide a solid foundation to navigate the remaining games.
As Yelich prepares for surgery and a period of rehabilitation, his focus remains on returning to full health and contributing to the team’s future successes. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich concluded, expressing his gratitude to the fans and his commitment to the Brewers' long-term goals.
With Christian Yelich sidelined, the Milwaukee Brewers must rally and continue their pursuit of postseason success, armed with the confidence and depth that have characterized their season thus far.