The Milwaukee Brewers face a critical challenge moving forward as star outfielder Christian Yelich was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. The former 2018 NL MVP was moved to the IL due to a lower back strain, retroactive to April 13. In a corresponding move, utility player Owen Miller was recalled from Triple A-Nashville.
Brewers Face Critical Challenge Without Yelich
Yelich, 32, was injured in Milwaukee’s 11-1 road victory over the Baltimore Orioles on April 12. He delivered a first-inning single before removing himself before the bottom of the second with back discomfort. The Brewers are 2-3 since his departure. Despite their first series loss to the San Diego Padres, the team maintains an NL Central Division-leading 11-6 overall record.
“It’s frustrating because a lot of work has gone into feeling good,” said the 6-foot-3, 206-pound Yelich, in an interview with MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. “At the same time, it’s like, just get healthy and try to pick back up where you left off. I’ve had times where I didn’t think it was bad and it ended up taking a long time, and I’ve had times where I thought it was bad and it ended up being quick. I don’t have answers as far as a timeline. It’s not even really locked up. I don’t know how to describe it. They’re a little different every time. Hopefully, it turns the corner soon, because once it turns the corner, it usually clears up pretty quick.”
Rejuvenated Yelich Appeared To Be In All-Star Form
Yelich signed a hefty, highly publicized nine-year $215 million contract in 2020. At first, early this season, he appeared to have returned to the All-Star outfielder of yesteryear. As the team’s highest-paid player, he set the tone with a rejuvenated, disciplined .333 batting average with 13 hits, 11 RBI, seven runs scored, and team-leading five home runs in 11 games. The left-handed power hitter homered in four of his last eight games to set the pace for the high-powered Brewers hitting attack. His latest was a two-run, first-inning shot in a 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on April 10.
For first-year Brewers manager Pat Murphy, the timing of the injury was devastating. “It’s awful,” said Murphy, in an interview with Erik Bilstad of 620WTMJ Radio. “He’s having an MVP-like season right out of the box. It’s devastating to take that guy out of the order. I don’t think (he’ll be out) too long. Yelich has had chronic back issues. He knows how to manage it. We’re giving him a chance to heal.”
Despite the setback, there is some good news. With Yelich’s injury list assignment retroactive to April 13, he may be eligible for reinstatement by April 24. But with a history of back problems that have plagued him off and on throughout his career, it may be wishful thinking.
In Yelich’s glaring absence, a core of talented young players will be asked to step up and fill the temporary void, including such notables as Miller, Sal Frelick, Joey Wiemer, Blake Perkins, Jackson Chourio, and Jake Bauers. It will be a daunting task but a necessity if the Brewers are going to weather the storm.
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