Brewers' Yelich to undergo season-ending back surgery

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will undergo season-ending back surgery on Friday, the club announced.

Yelich has been sidelined since July 23 and hoped to return this year while holding off on surgery until the offseason. He also missed three weeks in April and May with a low back strain.

"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said in a statement.

"I ultimately felt it was in the best interest of myself and the Brewers to have surgery with the expectation of being back at 100% for next season. We have a very special team here, and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch. However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."

Yelich made his third All-Star Game appearance this season. The 32-year-old hit .315 with 11 home runs, 44 runs scored, 42 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases across 73 games in 2024.

The Brewers have been one of baseball's most pleasant surprises this season and hold a nine-game lead atop the National League Central.