On the day after the Milwaukee Brewers learned they’d be without superstar Christian Yelich for the rest of the season, they needed a hero. Yelich couldn’t play that role anymore, so the most veteran Brewer, Ryan Braun, took Yelich’s jersey — and his role.
Braun, wearing Yelich’s No. 22 jersey underneath his own, hit a two-run home run that was the key in Milwaukee’s 3-2 victory Thursday to complete a sweep of the Miami Marlins.
The tribute came because Yelich fouled a pitch off his kneecap Tuesday night and learned later the bone was broken. He’ll miss the rest of the regular season and most likely the playoffs.
Ryan Braun was wearing Christian Yelich’s jersey under his own jersey tonight.
“Just for good luck,” he said. “They’re about the same size. It felt a little different, but I was just trying to bring the good vibes.”
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) September 12, 2019
Getting through a tough stretch
Yelich was the 2018 National League MVP and was a strong candidate for the award again this season. The untimely end to his season comes in the middle of a hot stretch for Milwaukee, which has won seven straight and climbed back into a tie with the Chicago Cubs for the second NL wild-card spot.
Without Yelich, the Brewers were able to win all three games in Miami with timely hitting and great pitching. The timely hitting Thursday came from Braun, who also flashed Yelich’s No. 22 with his hands as he crossed home plate.
“I threw up the double deuces for him,” said Braun, according to the Associated Press. “He texted me, “It’s about time you hit a homer.′ Forty-fifth homer hit in this jersey this year.”
Thank You to all those who have reached out over the last couple days it means a lot. Frustrating way for a season to end but these things happen in sports. I will be just fine and am looking forward to making a full recovery and supporting the boys the rest of the season
— Christian Yelich (@ChristianYelich) September 12, 2019
Not over yet
The Brewers take their week-long winning streak to St. Louis, where a showdown with the first-place Cardinals awaits. St. Louis leads Milwaukee and Chicago by four games each in an NL Central race that is coming down to the wire.
Yelich won’t be able to help, but Braun will make sure his jersey will be there. He plans to wear it again Friday night for the series opener.
Wearing @Brewers teammate @ChristianYelich‘s jersey under his own is working out pretty well for Ryan Braun: “As long as we’re winning, I’m not changing.” #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/L2abTOtyyC
— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) September 12, 2019
