Christian Yelich Injury Update, What Happened to Christian Yelich?
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Updated Jul 25, 2024
Christian Yelich Injury Update
Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers is on the 10-day injured list because of a lower back problem. He had to leave Tuesday's game after his back pain got worse. Yelich will see a spine specialist to decide what to do next, including whether he might need surgery.
Yelich, 32, has had back issues before, with six trips to the injured list for similar problems. He missed 25 games earlier this season with a back strain, and now surgery is a possibility.
To cover for Yelich, the Brewers have brought Gary Sánchez back from the injured list. The team now has three catchers—Sánchez, William Contreras, and Eric Haase—and will rotate them through the designated hitter role. Contreras is expected to play most games, while Sánchez and Haase will fill in as needed.
The Brewers are doing well this season, leading the NL Central with a 58-43 record. They might try to get another left-handed hitter before the trade deadline on July 30 if Yelich’s absence is longer. Despite the injury, the team is in a good position to keep performing well ( Source: CBS Sports)
What Happened to Christian Yelich?
Christian Yelich, outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his lower back. He left Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning after having difficulty running to first base.
Yelich may need back surgery, which could end his 2024 season. Before Wednesday's game, he expressed concerns about the severity of his injury, noting that it might not be a short-term issue and that further discussions are needed to determine the best course of action.
This is Yelich’s second stint on the injured list this season, following a 24-game absence earlier in the year due to a strained lower back. Despite his injury, Yelich has been performing well, with a .315 batting average and a .504 slugging percentage, which are among his best stats in recent years ( Source: Bleacher Report)
Who is Christian Yelich?
Christian Yelich is a professional baseball player who plays left field for the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on December 5, 1991, in Thousand Oaks, California. Yelich started his MLB career with the Miami Marlins in 2013 and joined the Brewers in 2018.
Yelich is a three-time All-Star and won the National League (NL) MVP award in 2018. He has also won the Silver Slugger Award three times and was a batting champion in the NL twice. Known for his great hitting and fielding, Yelich has received several awards, including a Gold Glove Award and recognition as a member of the 30–30 Club for hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases in one season.
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Attribute |
Details |
Full Name | Christian Stephen Yelich |
Date of Birth | December 5, 1991 |
Birthplace | Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. |
Position | Left Fielder |
Current Team | Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) |
Former Team(s) | Miami Marlins (2013–2017) |
MLB Debut | July 23, 2013 |
Batting Average | .287 |
Hits | 1,590 |
High School | Westlake High School, Thousand Oaks, CA |
College | Miami Hurricanes |
Scholarship | Accepted a scholarship to play college baseball for the Miami Hurricanes |
Christian Yelich Contract
Christian Yelich signed a major seven-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2020, worth a total of $215 million. This deal is the largest in the team's history, showcasing how much the Brewers value Yelich. With this contract, Yelich is committed to the Brewers through 2027, making him a key player for the team for almost a decade.
His annual salary averages around $27 million, reflecting his significant impact and contribution to the team. Yelich, who won the National League MVP award in 2018, continues to play a crucial role in the Brewers' success, and this contract underscores his importance to the franchise.
Christian Yelich Age
Christian Yelich was born on December 5, 1991. As of 2024, he is 32 years old. His age reflects his extensive experience and established career in Major League Baseball, highlighted by his significant achievements and his prominent role with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Christian Yelich Career
Yelich was selected by the Miami Marlins as the 23rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. He signed a $1.7 million contract with the Marlins in August 2010. Yelich began his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Marlins, batting .375 over six games before moving up to Class-A. In 2011, he posted a .261 average with 43 hits and four home runs and was named the Marlins' Minor League Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012.
He made his MLB debut with the Marlins on July 23, 2013. In 2014, Yelich batted .284 with 21 stolen bases and won a Gold Glove Award in left field, setting a franchise record for fielding percentage at .996. He signed a seven-year, $49.57 million contract extension with the Marlins in March 2015. Despite a challenging season due to injuries, including a back strain and a knee bruise, Yelich ended the year with a .300 batting average and led the league in ground ball percentage.
On January 25, 2018, Yelich was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. He quickly made an impact, earning an All-Star selection and hitting for the cycle twice in his first season. Yelich finished 2018 with a .326/.402/.598 slash line, 36 home runs, and 110 RBIs, winning the NL batting title, the Hank Aaron Award, and the National League MVP award.
In 2019, Yelich hit .329/.429/.671 with 44 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He became the only MLB player to achieve consecutive seasons with a .325 or higher average, 35 or more home runs, and 20 or more steals. Yelich signed a nine-year, $215 million contract extension with the Brewers in March 2020. In the shortened 2020 season, he hit .205/.356/.430.
Yelich struggled with a back issue in 2021, leading to multiple stints on the injured list. He hit his third career cycle on May 11, 2022, becoming the first player to achieve this feat against the same team, the Cincinnati Reds. Yelich finished the 2022 season with a .252/.355/.383 line, leading the league in ground ball percentage.
As of early July 2024, Yelich's performance for the season was nearing the levels seen during his MVP-caliber years of 2018 and 2019.