BREAKING: Christian Yelich has just achieved a significant milestone, hitting his 100th RBI of the season during the Milwaukee Brewers’ 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. This marks Yelich’s first 100-RBI season since his National League MVP campaign in 2018, demonstrating his remarkable comeback from back surgery.
The Brewers slugger went 2 for 4 at the plate, further solidifying his position in the league as he ties for third in the NL in RBIs, trailing only Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. Yelich also boasts 29 homers, placing him in a tie for eighth in the NL, showcasing his return to form.
Yelich’s journey back to this peak performance has been a testament to his resilience. After enduring a diskectomy last August due to a herniated disk, many questioned his ability to return to elite form. “There were a lot of questions obviously that I had to answer,” Yelich stated. “People doubted 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.”
Notably, Yelich’s journey included a rocky start to the season, where he was hitting below .200 as late as May 23. However, his performance has drastically improved, contributing significantly to the Brewers’ current record of 94-59, marking a franchise milestone of being 35 games above .500 for the first time in history.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised Yelich’s impact on the team. “You’d be astounded how many balls he’s hit at a hundred (mph)-plus rate that were caught,” Murphy noted, emphasizing that Yelich’s numbers could be even higher with a bit more luck.
Yelich has not only excelled on the field but has also provided leadership to a young Brewers team. Rookie third baseman Caleb Durbin expressed admiration for Yelich, stating, “That’s our guy. We’ve relied on him all year. He’s the backbone of this team.” His experience is invaluable as the Brewers aim for another postseason run.
As the playoffs approach, Yelich’s health and performance will be crucial for Milwaukee. He reflects on the importance of availability, saying, “Just being available for most of the games this year and being able to play is kind of refreshing. I knew I’m still capable of playing at a high level if I just do it, if I just play.”
This remarkable comeback not only highlights Yelich’s personal achievements but also fuels the Brewers’ aspirations as they aim for success in the upcoming postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Yelich continues to lead the charge for the Brewers in what promises to be an exciting end to the season.
