Christian Yelich's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) played catch from around 120 feet in the outfield on Monday. Given Yelich's history with back issues, dating back to last year, it's no surprise that the Brewers are taking things slow in his recovery from a lower-back strain that landed him on the injured list. It's good news that the 32-year-old left-hander is doing baseball activities, but it may still be a while before he's cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. Despite the Brewers slow-playing Yelich's rehab, fantasy managers must keep him stashed in an IL spot in all leagues after he opened the season hitting .333/.422/.744 with a 1.166 OPS, five home runs, 11 RBI, two steals and seven runs in his first 39 at-bats. Until he's able to return, Blake Perkins should continue to benefit from more playing time in Milwaukee's outfield.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) ran on the field on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his back. Yelich hasn't swung or played catch yet, however, as he's progressed slower than anticipated from a strained lower back. Considering Yelich battled back issues in the early part of his career with the Miami Marlins, expect the Brew Crew to take a cautious approach with the 32-year-old star left fielder. Yelich was returning first-round fantasy value before hitting the shelf, slashing .333/.422/.744 with five home runs, 11 RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases across 39 at-bats (11 games). The switch-hitting Blake Perkins has received everyday ABs in Milwaukee's outfield since Yelich went on the injured list, slashing .309/.387/.473 with two homers, six RBI, 13 runs scored, and two swipes through 55 ABs overall, and he's worth a look for those in NL-only or deep mixed leagues who need a stopgap solution.

The Milwaukee Brewers placed outfielder Christian Yelich (back) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 13) on Tuesday with a lower-back strain and recalled infielder/outfielder Owen Miller from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move. Yelich was put on the IL after not playing since last Friday. This is definitely an injury that could linger for the 32-year-old Yelich, so fantasy managers should be prepared to be patient if he's forced to miss more than 10 days. Keep him stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues after he started the year hitting .333 (13-for-39) with five home runs, 11 RBI and two steals in 11 games. Blake Perkins is starting in center field and batting sixth against the San Diego Padres and right-hander Dylan Cease on Tuesday, but Joey Wiemer could also see additional playing time in Milwaukee's outfield until Yelich is able to return.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the San Diego Padres. The veteran outfielder has been sidelined since being forced to exit early on Friday due to back discomfort. For the moment Yelich is considered as day-to-day, but fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Yelich ends up on the injured list. Sal Frelick will bat third and cover left field during Monday's game.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran outfielder continues to deal with back discomfort and will be held out of at least one more game. At the moment, fantasy managers should consider Yelich as day-to-day. However, Yelich could end up heading to the injured list if the issue continues to linger. Joey Wiemer will cover left field and bat eighth versus right-hander Corbin Burnes on Sunday. Fantasy managers should probably stay away from Wiemer in this tough matchup.