MILWAUKEE – Brewers star Christian Yelich was a late scratch from Wednesday’s starting lineup vs. the Phillies due to the three words Milwaukee fans least want to hear: Low back soreness.

Yelich, who has worked endlessly over the years to avoid absences because of his troublesome back, underwent a disc surgery last August and played in 132 of the Brewers’ first 139 games, including 18 starts in left field and 111 as the designated hitter. Wednesday marked the first time he was known to miss a game for a reason beyond regular rest.

The 32-year-old has been one of the most productive hitters for MLB’s winningest team, slashing .268/.350/.464 with 27 home runs, 92 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. His .973 OPS in August was his most productive month, as the Brewers went 21-9 and surged to the t

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