ARLINGTON, Texas – Christian Yelich returned to the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup this Monday, after missing five games due to lower back discomfort. Yelich, batting fourth in the order, connected a hit in four at-bats in the Brewers’ 5-0 loss to the Texas Rangers. The 33-year-old player had participated in 132 of Milwaukee’s 144 games this season before the game in Texas, with a batting average of .268, leading the team with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Yelich was scratched at the last minute last Wednesday before a 6-3 victory over Philadelphia. Murphy explained that Yelich began to feel pain during a series against Arizona late last month. Despite this, he played 22 consecutive games before leaving the lineup last week.It feels good, he wants to play. It’s amazing that he has played so many games,” commented Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “After back surgery, we didn’t know what to expect, but the surgeon assured him that this was going to happen, although it’s incredible that it hasn’t happened before, so we must be grateful.
Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager
Yelich made his 112th start as a designated hitter on Monday, and has also started 18 games in left field this season. Murphy mentioned that, although “there is a reason” for Yelich to play a couple of games in the outfield before the end of the regular season, this is not a priority. In other injury news, right-handed pitcher Grant Anderson returned from the injured list to bolster the Brewers’ bullpen. Right-handed pitcher Craig Yoho was sent to Triple-A Nashville. Anderson last pitched for Milwaukee on August 23 before being placed on the injured list due to tendinitis in his right ankle. The 28-year-old has a 2-5 record and a 2.87 ERA in 57 appearances. He has struck out 66 batters in 62⅔ innings. The Brewers still have All-Star closer Trevor Megill (right flexor), left-handed pitcher DL Hall (right oblique), and right-handed pitchers Nick Mears (back) and Shelby Miller (right elbow) on the injured list. Murphy reported that Megill is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday, and likely another before he can pitch again.He came today and said to me: ‘Am I on the team, right?'”, said Murphy. “He wants to play. It’s a good thing when your leader wants to be on the field as soon as possible.
Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager
