Milwaukee Brewers News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Brewers manager pinpoints play that injured Christian Yelich 8 days ago 3 Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich (22) and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) collide during the sixth inning of the wildcard playoff game on Tuesday October 3, 2023 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis.

Brewers manager pinpoints play that injured Christian Yelich 8 days ago

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 1:02 PM ET

Christian Yelich will sit out versus the Phillies for a second straight game, after back soreness made him a late scratch on Wednesday. Says Brewers manager Pat Murphy, the play that caused the injury occurred over a week ago, in game 3 of Milwaukee’s series with Arizona.

Brewers leader played through discomfort for multiple games after injury

His back started barking after Yelich legged out an eighth-inning double, Murphy said, via Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. In scoring position, none out, in a one-run game, Yelich stayed in. The Brewers failed to capitalize and lost 3-2. After playing the field that day, he took a seat for the series finale but came in to pinch-hit late. He then played every game in Toronto and the opener against the Phillies before finally succumbing ahead of game 2.

The good news, at least, is that the team expects him to return over the weekend in Pittsburgh, and it does not seem to be a serious issue. Yelich had season-ending back surgery in 2024, making caution all the more crucial as the Brewers prepare for the stretch run and the playoffs.

Why didn’t the 33-year-old slugger take some rest and recovery before now? “He wanted to keep playing because he loves the guys,” Murphy told McCalvy, “and wants to represent every day and post every day so they get in the habit of posting every day.”

Brewers rocked as Yelich’s back flare-up threatens momentum 1 Aug 30, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) celebrates with team mates in the duout after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Among the longest tenured Brewers – only Brandon Woodruff has been here longer, by one year – Yelich is not only a force in the lineup but a clubhouse leader. More than anything, Milwaukee needs him available, an emphasis that, after last season, has Yelich DH-ing more than ever in order to keep him off his feet and healthy.

It’s been working. Before the injury, he was on pace to play 150 games for just the second time since 2017. Sitting at 132, he still could get there, but it would be wiser to sprinkle in additional rest days to ensure he’s fresh for the postseason.

Christian Yelich fires stunning throw to catch Diamondbacks runner 1 Aug 25, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Julio Borbon (41) talks to outfielder Christian Yelich (22) after he got a base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

When he has played, Yelich has produced at high volume. His 27 homeruns and 92 RBIs are his most since 2019 and, health provided, he has a chance to drive in 100 for the second time in his career. A third 30-homer season is also very much on the table.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: