Yelich placed on injured list with low back strain
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MILWAUKEE -- Christian Yelich's hot start to the 2024 season is on hold for a familiar reason. The Brewers placed their star outfielder on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a low back strain, a move that came as little surprise after Yelich was absent from the lineup for a fourth straight game.
"It's frustrating because a lot of work has gone into feeling good,” Yelich said. “At the same time, it's like, just get healthy and try to pick back up where you left off."
The Brewers backdated Yelich's IL assignment the maximum three days, meaning he will be eligible for reinstatement beginning April 24 in Pittsburgh. But even with experience – Yelich’s back issues date to his 20s with the Marlins – he couldn’t predict how long he’d be sidelined.
As anyone with a tricky back will tell you, that’s just the nature of it.
“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,” Yelich said. “I don’t have answers as far as a timeline. It’s not even really locked up. I don’t really know how to describe it. They’re a little different every time.”
He added, “Hopefully it turns the corner soon, because once it turns the corner, it usually clears up pretty quick.”
Utility man Owen Miller was recalled from Triple-A Nashville as a corresponding move.
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Yelich, who has battled back ailments throughout his career, exited Friday's series opener against the Orioles with what was called a stiff lower back at the time. He was batting .333 with a 1.166 OPS, five homers and 11 RBIs to start the year. He is coming off two relatively healthy seasons in 2022 and 2023, in which he played 154 and 144 games, respectively.
"It crushes us, you know?" Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. "It's a big blow, with a guy who started as well as he has, but what he did for our club. But first and foremost is the player. He's not feeling right and he's been through this before.
"We have to get him right, bottom line."
Yelich has the same aim.
"You try to keep good perspective on 'it's still early,'” he said. “Take care of it and get it behind you for the rest of the season."