Brewers' Christian Yelich News Emerges After 19 Missed Games
The Milwaukee Brewers find themselves in an unfamiliar position entering Tuesday. Despite owning an 18-16 record and sitting above .500, they are in last place in a surprisingly competitive National League Central.
Milwaukee has proven it has the ability to turn it around. The team just needs to get healthy. That process has finally begun, as both Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio were reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Monday.
One major absence remains, however: left-handed designated hitter Christian Yelich. The 34-year-old veteran has missed 19 straight games after suffering a left groin strain during a matchup with the Washington Nationals in early April.
Before the injury, Yelich was one of Milwaukee's best hitters. Through 15 games, he posted a .314 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .826 OPS, one home run and 10 RBIs.
Updates on Yelich's status had been scarce since it became clear he would be out until at least May. But with the calendar now in May, Brewers fans have been eager for clarity on the face of the franchise.
Ahead of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, an update emerged from Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. McCalvy reported, "Plan for Christian Yelich is to progress to live ABs and baserunning by early next week. Estimated return remains mid- to late-May."
More Brewers medical updates:
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) May 5, 2026
- Plan for Christian Yelich is to progress to live ABs and baserunning by early next week. Estimated return remains mid- to late-May.
- Brandon Woodruff traveled to Dallas to for a hands-on assessment with Dr. Meister today.
This marks the first time it has been reported that Yelich is participating in baseball activities, and it is reassuring to hear he remains on track for a May return. Once fully healthy, Yelich will likely require a brief rehab assignment before rejoining the Brewers lineup.
Yelich remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. Across nine seasons in Milwaukee, he has earned a National League MVP Award, three All-Star selections and two Silver Sluggers.
While he is past his physical prime and now serves primarily as a designated hitter to stay on the field, he remains one of the league's most productive hitters when healthy. If Milwaukee hopes to climb back into the division race and contend for another NL Central title, Yelich will be at the center of that push once he returns.
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:53 AM.