Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will undergo season-ending back surgery. has issued an announcement by the team on Thursday after a 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“After careful consideration and consultation with the medical staff, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery for me,” Yelich said in a statement. “I ultimately felt it was in my and the Brewers’ best interest to have the surgery with the expectation of being back to 100% next season.”
Yelich, 32, has been on the injured list since July 24 due to back inflammation. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said a nerve problem also played a role. After meeting with a spine specialist, Yelich wanted to avoid surgery and recover from the injury through rest and rehabilitation.
The 12-year veteran also posted a video on social media explaining the decision to fans.
“It just got to the point where it wasn’t getting better. I tried everything I could, ran out of options and then it was time to make a decision,” Yelich said, confirming that surgery is scheduled for Friday.
“It was the best option we had left. It sucks; there’s really no other way to say it than it sucks,” he added. “It’s awful, but it’s part of the sport. These things happen. You get hurt, you get fixed and you get back on your feet. Try to stay as positive as you can.”
Yelich had his best season since 2019, when he was one of the best players in MLB (and won the 2018 National League MVP award). He batted .315 with a .909 OPS, 12 doubles, 11 home runs, 42 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He was the leading vote-getter among NL outfielders in All-Star voting.
However, the outfielder was only able to participate in 73 games and missed 22 games from April to May due to a lower back strain.
Shortly after being placed on the injured list, Yelich spoke to reporters to dispel rumors that the back injury could jeopardize his career. He has struggled with back problems since his mid-20s with the Miami Marlins, missing time in each of the last three seasons.
“Next year is not in jeopardy. My career is not in jeopardy,” Yelich said, via Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “There’s a lot of wild stuff out there.”
According to Spotrac, Yelich is under contract for four more seasons at a total value of $88 million, with a mutual option for $20 million for 2029.
