The Milwaukee Brewers have hit a snag during their current homestand, as star outfielder Christian Yelich has missed his second consecutive start due to a swollen right wrist.
The injury, which initially stemmed from a hit by pitch in Philadelphia, has resurfaced concerns around the slugger’s long-term health.
A Lingering Issue Resurfaces
The trouble began on June 1, when Yelich was hit on the wrist by a 90-mph sinker from Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez. He exited the game with immediate swelling.
Although X-rays later came back negative and he returned to the lineup just a day later, the issue has continued to linger.
Matters worsened over the weekend series against the Padres, where a slide aggravated the injury further. Although Yelich suited up as the designated hitter on Monday against Atlanta.
According to Brewers manager Pat Murphy, it “just felt awful,” prompting him to shut Yelich down for the following contests. Despite the initial optimism following the negative test results, the recurrence of discomfort suggested that the situation demanded a more measured approach.
“It’s just more precautionary,” Murphy said. “He did not swing [Tuesday], but made himself available to pinch-run or whatever we needed.
“Today he’s going to test it and swing a little bit. We hope we can avoid imaging or anything else, that he feels good enough that the swelling is out of there and he can progress.”
Injury History a Factor in Caution
This is not the first time in recent years that Yelich has dealt with physical setbacks. Since fracturing his kneecap late in the 2019 season, he has struggled to maintain consistent health.
In 2021, a nagging back issue sidelined him multiple times, and although he’s largely stayed on the field since, various smaller injuries–including back flare-ups, oblique tightness, and minor hand ailments–have periodically disrupted his rhythm.
That history has undoubtedly influenced how Murphy and the Brewers medical staff are approaching this latest wrist problem. With Yelich being such a central figure in Milwaukee’s roster and payroll, there’s little appetite for risking another extended absence due to rushing a recovery.
When Will He Return?
The Brewers’ series finale against the Braves and upcoming games against the Cardinals will put Murphy’s decisions to the test. Yelich is slated for batting practice and pregame workouts, and how he responds will determine whether he rejoins the starting lineup or remains on the sidelines.
With the looming MLB debut of top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski on Thursday, the Brewers would undoubtedly like to pair that moment with a fully armed offense, including a healthy Yelich.
According to Sports Illustrated‘s Patrick McAvoy, “The Brewers’ offense moves as Yelich does. It has struggled at points this season, but turned around right when Yelich got hot.
“Hopefully, he’s able to make progress and get back on the field as soon as possible.”
The sense from Murphy and the team is that they are not willing to rush. If the swelling persists or there’s even minor discomfort, they will likely continue holding Yelich out in the hopes that a few extra days will avoid a longer-term injury.
“You guys know, baseball players, when you deal with something in the wrist or the hand, they’re delicate,” Murphy said. “We just hope there’s nothing worse in there.”
That strategy, while frustrating in the short term, reflects a big-picture mindset from a manager looking to keep his best players available deep into the season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Brewers Exercise Caution with Yelich’s Injury, Return Uncertain appeared first on Heavy Sports.