MILWAUKEE -- Christian Yelich cited improvement before missing a second straight game Wednesday because of back spasms, and a hope that he will be back in action Friday when the Brewers open a weekend series against the Phillies at Miller Park.

Yelich wasn’t sure what caused his flare-up Tuesday afternoon before batting practice, forcing him to miss games because of a bad back for the second time this season. He also sat out parts of seven games in late April and early May -- and missed some time last year before the All-Star break because of back tightness.

Are the Brewers worried this is developing into a chronic issue?

“I don’t think ‘chronic’ is the right word,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I think his back is an issue, but this is not a structural issue. When you talk about backs, you have to be careful how you phrase this. He’s had some muscle issues in his back. They have been short-term, five-day injuries. That’s not a ‘chronic’ characterization for me.

“And he’s actively trying to stay ahead of it since last year when he came on board. He does ‘prehab’ every day trying to take care of it. But yeah, it’s something he’s going to have to actively manage. These are small little things that are costing him a day here and a day there. Not worrisome from my end in any way.”

Wednesday was better.

“He’s improved today,” said Counsell. “I thought he came in optimistic about how he’s feeling. We’ll go through a bunch of treatments today and see how he is. Obviously, the day off [Thursday] factors into all of this. We’ll see what we’ve got on Friday.”

Said Yelich: “Day-to-day, man. We’re trying to get it right. Hopefully I’ll be back there Friday.”

The Brewers were down two outfielders Wednesday, with Ryan Braun also hobbled.

“His knee has been a little cranky the last five or so days,” Counsell said. “We’re just making sure we’re staying ahead of that.”