Christian Yelich to Miss Remainder of the 2024 Season Due to Back Surgery
Milwaukee Brewers' star outfielder Christian Yelich will undergo a season-ending back surgery, scheduled for Friday, which will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 Major League Baseball season. The announcement came on Thursday jointly from Yelich and the Brewers, marking a significant blow to the team's lineup as they approach the critical stages of the season.
Yelich, who has battled persistent back issues throughout much of his career, has been out of action since July 23. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, a move Yelich believes is in the best interest of both his health and the team's future success.
"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."
Prior to his injury, Yelich was enjoying a remarkable bounceback season. Over 73 games, he posted an impressive slash line of .315/.406/.504, slugging 11 home runs and stealing 21 bases. His performance translated to an outstanding 152 OPS+, signaling a return to form reminiscent of his MVP-caliber seasons.
Despite Yelich's absence, the Brewers have shown resilience. Since he last played, the team has managed an 11-9 record, maintaining a strong overall standing of 69-52. The Brewers currently hold a nine-game lead in the NL Central, boasting the largest division lead in baseball. This success speaks volumes about the depth and talent within their roster.
The team's regular lineup includes several left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. The Brewers made efforts to secure a left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline to bolster their lineup further, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the Brewers' deep roster suggests they are prepared to tackle the challenge of finishing the season without their star outfielder.
Yelich's injury and subsequent surgery come in the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in March 2020. Under this contract, Yelich will earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his defensive metrics have graded him as below average in recent years, Yelich's offensive contributions remain 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. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
As Yelich heads into surgery, the Brewers are poised to continue their strong season performance, relying on the depth and talent that has carried them thus far. The team and its fans will undoubtedly miss Yelich’s presence on the field, but his commitment to recovery and future contributions set a hopeful tone for seasons to come.