BREAKING: Christian Yelich has just achieved a remarkable milestone, hitting his 100th RBI of the season during the Milwaukee Brewers’ 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. This achievement marks Yelich’s first 100-RBI season since his National League MVP run in 2018, showcasing a triumphant return from back surgery.
The 33-year-old slugger went 2 for 4 in the game, reflecting a significant comeback after back issues prematurely ended his 2024 season. Yelich’s journey back to form has been challenging, but his performance has silenced critics who doubted his ability to return to peak condition.
“There were a lot of questions obviously that I had to answer,” Yelich stated. “People doubting whether or not I could play. I felt like I was still going to be able to play at a high level after dealing with what I had to deal with, all the back stuff.”
Currently, Yelich is tied for third in the National League in RBIs, trailing only Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. He has also hit 29 home runs, placing him eighth in the NL. Brewers manager Pat Murphy noted that Yelich’s statistics could be even better if not for some bad luck with hard-hit balls being caught.
Yelich’s resurgence has been vital for the Brewers, who now hold a franchise record of being 35 games above .500 at 94-59. His comeback story has not only invigorated his own career but also uplifted the team, particularly the younger players.
Rookie third baseman Caleb Durbin emphasized Yelich’s importance, saying, “That’s our guy. We’ve kind of relied on him all year. He’s the backbone of this team.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the Brewers’ clubhouse, where Yelich’s leadership has been crucial.
Yelich’s path to recovery began after a diskectomy in August to address a spinal issue. Last season, he was leading the NL in on-base percentage and batting average before his injury. After a slow start this season, hitting below .200 by May 23, Yelich has bounced back spectacularly, helping propel the Brewers into playoff contention.
With the postseason approaching, Yelich expressed relief at being healthy and contributing consistently. “Just being available for most of the games this year and being able to play is kind of refreshing,” he said. “I knew I’m still capable of playing at a high level if I just do it, if I just play.”
As the Brewers gear up for the playoffs, Yelich’s performance could be a game-changer for their ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to impact the team in the coming weeks.