Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Yelich to return soon?

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is nearing a return from his oblique strain. When will he come back, and who goes back to the Minors?

Originally, the Milwaukee Brewers expected Christian Yelich to only miss a few games, but oblique injuries can to linger. He went on the 10-day DL on April 8th, retroactive to April 5. He took batting practice on April 13th, and there’s a chance he receives clearance in time for Sunday’s game.

What are the chances he returns Sunday?

It’s close to a sure thing that Yelich gets activated from the DL on Sunday. It sounds like he was swinging free and easy during batting practice on Friday. He also won’t require a rehab stint. Unless he wakes up with a re-aggravation, Yelich will return.

How was doing Yelich before his injury?

Yelich was off to a hot start before straining his oblique. In the six regular season games he’s played in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform, Yelich has a .984 OPS. He has been every bit the impact player the Brewers expected when they dealt for him.

Who do the Brewers move when Yelich returns?

Jorge Lopez looks like the odd man out if the Milwaukee Brewers send down a pitcher. If they choose to send down a hitter, the only name on the roster that makes sense is Jesus Aguilar. However, the Brewers have made it clear that he’s sticking around.

It’s entirely possible that Lopez comes up and goes back without making an appearance.

Next: Is Eric Thames Posting Another Crazy April?

The Milwaukee Brewers will welcome the return of Yelich, but they’ll feel the roster crunch as soon as he comes back. Domingo Santana has played almost every day since Yelich went down. With Yelich’s return, Santana will have to settle for a part time role for a while. Until the Brewers find a way to move a bat, or suffer a long term injury to a first baseman or an outfielder, they’re stuck with an odd roster configuration.