Brewers skipper – Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell Murphy rejoined the team a day after undergoing back surgery in Appleton, Wisconsin, returning for the opener of a pivotal weekend series against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Though the procedure followed
When Craig Murphy walked back into the Brewers’ day-to-day routine the day after having back surgery, it wasn’t a triumphant comeback so much as a determination—measured, careful, and still stubbornly close to the game.
Murphy returned to work after having a ruptured disc repaired on Thursday in Appleton, Wisconsin, by Dr. Brandon Rebholz. The same spine specialist, Rebholz, had performed Christian Yelich’s discectomy in 2024. Murphy said the procedure was more extensive than planned. and that it was expedited after he developed debilitating back pain during the Brewers’ visit to Las Vegas to play the A’s earlier this month.
That painful stretch didn’t stop him from showing up for the next day’s baseball. Friday marked the opener of a big weekend series between the Brewers and Cubs at American Family Field. and Murphy still planned to manage from the safety of a room just off the dugout—avoiding any quick movements in case a foul ball came screaming into the area.
“The whole reason to do it on the off-day is because there’s a possibility you could manage the next day. ” Murphy said. “That’s what I love doing. That’s the rhythm that we’ve had. so you want to show the guys that’s the rhythm we’ve had. I’m not trying to be Superman. This isn’t about me. But let’s keep that rhythm.”.
When asked for details of the surgery, Murphy kept it practical. “I didn’t ask. ‘Just fix it.’ You just give them your card and don’t ask about specifics, you know?”
The back issue didn’t land in isolation. Murphy said he had a right hip surgery scheduled for months that was supposed to take place over the All-Star break. but it has been postponed until after the season to give his back time to heal. He added that he also has a right knee and left shoulder that need attention.
Still, the back had grown to the point where it took precedence. Anyone who watched Murphy’s postgame press conferences during the Brewers’ recent road trip to Atlanta and Cincinnati probably could feel his pain through their television screens.
“I was in way more pain the last 6-10 days than I am today, so I’m thankful and grateful to Dr. Rebholz and his whole group up there,” Murphy said. “I’ve had great support and I appreciate it all, but let’s get on to the important part.”
For Milwaukee, the “important part” is a demanding schedule that doesn’t slow down just because someone is recovering. Friday began a stretch of 18 games over 17 days leading to the All-Star break.
Jared Koenig, a Brewers reliever, summed up the mindset behind Murphy’s refusal to step away entirely. “He’s stubborn,” Koenig said. “and that’s what we like.”
Brewers Cubs Craig Murphy back surgery ruptured disc Dr. Brandon Rebholz American Family Field Jared Koenig Appleton Wisconsin Christian Yelich A's Las Vegas