Brewers' Yelich opts for season-ending surgery

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will have season-ending back surgery.

The Brewers released a statement Thursday with Yelich saying he had made the decision "after careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel." Dr. Brandon Rebholz will perform the surgery Friday in Milwaukee.

Yelich said he expects to be "back at 100%" next season.

"We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," Yelich said in his statement. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."

Yelich, 32, hasn't played since being removed from a game on July 23.

The 2018 NL MVP earned his third All-Star Game selection this year. He was batting .315 with a .406 on-base percentage, 11 homers, 42 RBIs and 21 steals in 73 games despite dealing with the back issue that had landed him on the injured list twice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.