Yelich (back) isn't in the Brewers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Yelich felt his back tighten up on him while running during Friday's win and was removed from the game in the second inning. The veteran outfielder has a history with back injuries, so it's not too surprising to see Milwaukee rest him to avoid making the issue worse. Sal Frelick will shift to left field in Yelich's place, allowing Blake Perkins to start in center field and bat ninth.

Yelich was removed from Friday's game against the Orioles early due to lower-back discomfort, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not immediately apparent how serious Yelich's injury is, but the decision to remove him may be precautionary, as he has dealt with back issues in the past. The veteran outfielder singled during his lone at-bat Friday during the top of first inning and was replaced on defense by Blake Perkins before the bottom half of the second.

Yelich went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a walk in Tuesday's victory over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

All of Yelich's RBI over his first eight games came via the home run, but he racked up three of them Tuesday without the aid of the long ball. Yelich continues to swing it well early, and he sits sixth in the league among qualified players with a 1.116 OPS.

Yelich is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Yelich started the first seven games of the season in left field and has a 1.033 OPS with three homers in 29 plate appearances, but he'll take a seat Sunday. Sal Frelick will shift to left field while Blake Perkins starts in center for the series finale versus Seattle.

Yelich went 3-for-4 with a home run during Friday's 3-1 victory over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

After batting .303 across 11 spring training games, Yelich's bat stayed hot to begin the new campaign. He registered a base hit in each of his first three at-bats -- including a homer off Jose Quintana in the top of the fourth inning -- before striking out in his final plate appearance. The 2018 NL MVP will likely bat third in Milwaukee's lineup more often than not this season after spending the past few years as the Brewers' leadoff man, which could bode well for his RBI total.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed Monday that his preference is to bat Yelich third this season, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yelich was the team's leadoff hitter last season under former manager Craig Counsell, but he's mostly hit third this spring with Murphy now in charge. While the new alignment might cost Yelich some runs scored, it should boost his RBI outlook. Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick are options for the leadoff spot.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said he expects Yelich to make his Cactus League debut at some point this weekend, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Extended plate appearances aren't as beneficial in spring training for an established veteran like Yelich compared to a younger player looking to secure an Opening Day roster spot, so the two-time All-Star has instead spent the early part of camp taking part in live batting practice and simulated games to ready himself for the upcoming season. After three consecutive seasons with a sub-.800 OPS, Yelich enjoyed something of a bounce-back campaign in 2023, slashing .278/.370/.447 with 19 home runs and 28 stolen bases across 144 games. Most of Yelich's underlying numbers supported the jump in his batting average and power production, so fantasy players can probably target the 32-year-old outfielder with a greater degree of confidence in fantasy drafts compared to the past couple of years. Even though Murphy is now serving as the Brewers' skipper due to Craig Counsell moving on to the Cubs, Yelich is still expected to occupy his familiar perch atop the order in 2024.

Yelich isn't in the Brewers' lineup Saturday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Yelich and his .633 OPS against lefties will sit out the beginning of Saturday's game with Jordan Wicks set to start for Chicago. Mark Canha will start in left field with William Contreras serving as the designated hitter, allowing Victor Caratini to start behind the plate.

Yelich is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder will receive a day off after the Brewers clinched the NL Central title Tuesday. Tyrone Taylor, Blake Perkins and Sal Frelick will start from left to right in the outfield while Yelich sits.

Yelich (back) went 3-for-4 with one double, two homers, five RBI and four runs scored in Friday's 16-1 victory over Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Yelich had appeared in just one game since Sept. 8 because of a back injury, but he looked fully rested in his return to action Friday while helping the Brewers clinch a postseason spot with a complete rout of the Marlins. His second-inning homer sailed an estimated 368 feet, and his sixth-inning blast was tabulated at 430 feet. The 31-year-old outfielder now has 19 homers on the season to go along with his 27 stolen bases.