Brewers put Christian Yelich on IL with lower back inflammation

Milwaukee Brewers All-Star outfielder Christian Yelich is scheduled to see a specialist after he was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with lower back inflammation.

Yelich, who leads the National League in batting average (.315) and on-base percentage (.406), was replaced as designated hitter in the sixth inning of Tuesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs after going 0-for-1 with a pair of walks.

"I don't really want to get into like the specifics of it, but yeah, not great," Yelich told reporters on Wednesday morning. "Go from there as far as what's going to be the best for the near future and into the future. A couple different discussions I think that need to be had."

Said Brewers manager Pat Murphy of Yelich's injury: "Concerning."

The 2018 National League MVP has enjoyed a resurgent season for the NL Central-leading Brewers, earning his third All-Star selection. He has 11 home runs, 44 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in 73 games this season, but has gone 0-for-9 since the All-Star break and is 1-for-19 over his past six games.

In a related roster move, the Brewers reinstated veteran catcher Gary Sanchez, who has been out since June 26 with a calf strain. He is hitting .218 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.