Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder and reigning MVP Christian Yelich does not need surgery on his fractured kneecap and is not expected to suffer any long-term effects from the injury.
Yelich was injured in the top of the first inning on Wednesday when he fouled a pitch off his kneecap against the Miami Marlins. At the time, he was expected to need surgery.
Jim Bowden, an MLB analyst and broadcaster, is reporting that Yelich does not need surgery on his broken patella and will be out just six weeks. That could, hypothetically, have him back for the World Series if the Brewers would happen to make it there.
Yelich – no surgery needed. Out 6 weeks. Prayers his way.
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) September 12, 2019
Brewers GM David Stearn, however, has put the Yelich recovery time closer to 8-10 weeks.
Yelich was having another MVP season batting .329 with 44 home runs and 97 RBIs. The Brewers are currently 4 games back of the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals and tied with the Chicago Cubs for the final Wild Card spot.