FILE - Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich is seen before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, July 29, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash, File)
Milwaukee Brewers‘ All-Star outfielder Christian Yelich has announced that he will undergo season-ending back surgery, a significant blow to the team’s playoff aspirations. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2024, and will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz in Milwaukee. Yelich made the announcement via a video message on social media, expressing his disappointment and determination to return stronger for the next season.
Background on Yelich’s Injury
Yelich has been grappling with back issues for several years, which have increasingly hindered his performance. This season, he was placed on the injured list twice due to a low back strain, missing a total of 22 games earlier in the year. Despite these setbacks, he had a resurgent season, boasting an impressive .315 batting average, .406 on-base percentage, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs over 73 games. His performance earned him a third All-Star selection, and he was leading the National League in several offensive categories before his recent struggles with back pain resurfaced.
In his video announcement, Yelich stated, “It just got to the point where it wasn’t getting better. I tried everything I could. I ran out of options and it came time to make a decision.” He emphasized that surgery was the best option left to address his ongoing issues, highlighting the challenging nature of dealing with injuries in professional sports.
Impact on the Brewers
Yelich’s absence will undoubtedly impact the Brewers, who are currently contending for a playoff spot. The team has relied heavily on Yelich’s offensive contributions, and his leadership in the clubhouse will be missed. Rookie Jackson Chourio has stepped up in left field during Yelich’s absence, and he will need to continue to perform well as the team pushes for a division title.
Yelich expressed his commitment to supporting his teammates during his recovery, stating, “It’s so weird when you’re hurt. You feel like you’re on the team but you’re not. You help out in any way you can, but you’re not really in the grind with the guys.” He remains optimistic about the team’s chances in the postseason, encouraging his teammates to aim for a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead
The back surgery of Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich marks the end of his 2024 season, but he has expressed confidence in returning to full health for the next season. He stated, “It’s going to be for the best. Short term, terrible. Long term, it’s going to be all right.” As the Brewers navigate the remainder of the season without their star player, fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Yelich, who has been a key figure in the team’s success since joining the Brewers in 2018.
