After suffering a fractured right kneecap during the Milwaukee Brewers run to the postseason, All-Star outfielder Christian Yelich is excited to return to the field when spring training kicks off.
Yelich, who will serve as manager in a charity softball game, told MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy that his knee is feeling great. While he won’t be able to play in the upcoming California Strong Celebrity Softball game, he will be ready when he reports to spring training.
“If the Milwaukee Brewers had an actual game tomorrow,” Yelich said, via MLB.com. “I would be able to participate. But I think it’s best for everyone involved that I hold off on that a little bit longer. I’m good to go. Feeling great. Looking forward to Spring Training starting.”
The 28-year-old outfielder cleared a significant hurdle in November towards his potential return and now appears to be closing in on a return to full baseball activities.
Yelich, who won the NL MVP Award in 2018, hit 44 home runs with 97 RBI and an incredible 1.100 OPS during the 2019 season. He was on pace to shatter his career-best numbers from his ’18 campaign and likely would have repeated as the league’s MVP if not for the injury.
Fortunately, Yelich will get a chance to reclaim the NL’s top honor when he returns to the field this coming season. It’s great to see that he’s healthy and even better that he’s spending his remaining free time helping others.