Pat Murphy Announces Christian Yelich Update After Removal From Brewers Lineup
The Milwaukee Brewers are continuing to exceed expectations throughout the early part of the 2026 MLB season. Despite ranking in the bottom half of total payroll, the Brewers keep finding ways to win as they enter Wednesday's matchup against the San Diego Padres with a 23-16 record. Trailing the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs by 2.5 games, Milwaukee is holding on to the top NL wild-card spot.
Before suffering a left groin strain on April 12 that sidelined him for a month, Brewers star outfielder Christian Yelich was having a productive season and was one of the Brewers' most important bats. The 34-year-old three-time All-Star and former NL MVP made his return on Tuesday against the Padres. He went 0-for-4 at the plate in a 6-4 victory. Yelich enters Wednesday with a .291 AVG and a .768 OPS.
The Brewers and manager Pat Murphy may be exercising some caution with Yelich ahead of Wednesday night's game. Brewers reporter David Gasper shared an update regarding Yelich's status prior to first pitch, noting that the veteran outfielder would not be in Milwaukee's lineup, despite making his return on Tuesday.
"Christian Yelich out of the lineup tonight. His back is ‘a little sore' according to Pat Murphy. Yelich was pushing to play, but Murphy is going to take every precaution he can," Gasper shared on X.
Christian Yelich out of the lineup tonight
— David Gasper (@dgasper24) May 13, 2026
His back is "a little sore" according to Pat Murphy. Yelich was pushing to play, but Murphy is going to take every precaution he can https://t.co/4m5eVwTWP5
Back issues have been a recurring concern for Yelich throughout the later stages of his career. While the severity of the soreness is reportedly mild, the former MVP has seen his availability and production affected by back discomfort over recent seasons.
While Yelich reportedly pushed to play through the soreness, Milwaukee appears focused on avoiding any aggravation as the organization continues navigating a long regular season. The Brewers will look to maintain their top wild-card spot at home Wednesday night against the Padres, as they seek a sixth straight victory.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 6:09 PM.