All-Star starting outfielder Christian Yelich recently announced that he will undergo season-ending back surgery, significantly impacting the Brewers’ strong season. With them on track to win the NL Central, Yelich’s absence will be a major blow to the lineup as they aim for a postseason bid and beyond.
“It wasn’t getting better, tried everything I could, ran out of options and it came time to make a decision, so surgeries scheduled. Just was the best option, you know that we really had left. It sucks you know, there’s really no other way to put it other than it sucks, it’s terrible,” Yelich said in his announcement on Instagram.
Before the injury, Yelich boasted a .315 batting average, the highest in the NL.
In response to the loss, Milwaukee searches for what player(s) will step up to fill in the shoes of Yelich.
Since July 24 (19 games) .354/.393/.595, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 4 SB
Jackson Chourio has been on an extraordinary run in the second half of the season, especially since Yelich’s injury. He is only the second rookie in franchise history to achieve 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in a single season, joining Ryan Braun from 2007. Since the All-Star break, Chourio boasts a .365 batting average, the second-highest in the majors in the span. The former No. 1 prospect is not only meeting expectations but has also emerged as the key factor in filling the void left by Yelich’s absence.
Garrett Mitchell
Since July 24 (20 games) .222/.323/.333, 1 HR, 3 RBI
After starting the year sidelined with a fractured left hand, Garrett Mitchell has returned to the Brewers lineup as a regular starter. The 2020 first-round draft pick has faced a series of injuries since his debut in 2022, playing just a total of 47 games across his rookie and sophomore seasons. Despite missing the start of the season this year, he has already appeared in 37 games. Though his statistics may seem modest, he still has a lot to prove, having played only 81 games over the past three years. As a left-handed hitter, Mitchell has been given more opportunities to start in the lineup. Outside of the bat, his glove is the most prominent factor to his game, and the main reason why manager Pat Murphy leans to giving him more time in the starting lineup.
Sal Frelick
Since July 24 (19 games) .220/.281/.271, 3 RBI
Sal Frelick has been a fixture in the Brewers’ lineup this season, playing in 110 of 121 games. With Yelich officially out for the year, Frelick’s role becomes even more crucial. Although he’s posted a .259 batting average and .333 on-base percentage for the season, he has struggled recently, hitting just .220 with a .281 on-base percentage since July 24. However, like Mitchell, Frelick’s exceptional defensive skills continue to make him a valuable asset, as he consistently delivers highlight-reel plays. As the Brewers enter a crucial stretch for the division title, he will need to rediscover offensive rhythm to help propel Milwaukee toward success.
Blake Perkins
Since July 24 (12 games).357/.387/.3936 RBI, 3 SB
Blake Perkins has been a steady performer for the Brewers in 90 games this season. As a switch-hitter, he’s posted a .257 batting average and a .330 on-base percentage, while contributing six home runs and 34 RBI. In addition to his offensive contributions, Perkins brings an exceptional defensive presence to the outfield, regularly making highlight-reel plays with his leather. Currently on the 10-day IL as of Aug. 12 due to a right calf strain, he will be a crucial asset when he returns, offering both reliability at the plate and stand-out defense to bolster the lineup.
