Christian Yelich Returns to Action in Brewers’ Spring Win After Back Surgery

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich marked a significant milestone in his recovery from back surgery on Saturday, stepping onto the field for the first time since July as the designated hitter in a 9-4 Cactus League win over the Texas Rangers. The 33-year-old, who underwent a diskectomy in August to address a damaged spinal disk, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts but drove in a run during the game. For Yelich, a former NL MVP in 2018, simply being back in a competitive setting felt like a triumph after months of rehabilitation following his last appearance on July 23.
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“It was just cool to be out there, honestly, because it’s a long road from the last time I did it,” Yelich shared post-game, calling the outing a personal victory regardless of the stat line. His 2024 season had been cut short despite a stellar performance that earned him his third All-Star nod, boasting a league-leading .315 batting average and .406 on-base percentage, alongside a .504 slugging percentage, 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 73 games. Saturday’s return signals hope for the Brewers and their star as he works toward reclaiming his elite form in 2025.