As he returns to Kansas City, Lorenzo Cain has been exactly what the Brewers needed

As triumphant returns go, it’s still a bit early in the season for Lorenzo Cain.

But, so far, so good, for both the veteran centerfielder and the Milwaukee Brewers as they open a two-game interleague series Tuesday night in Kansas City.

In his first three weeks-plus with the Brewers, Cain has been exactly what the hitting coach ordered. Batting primarily in the leadoff spot, he has set the table for the rest of the lineup by posting a .400 on-base percentage with five stolen bases and 14 runs scored.

As Cain prepares to face Kansas City, his former club, he comes off a strong seven-game home stand in which he batted .381 with two doubles, a home run, five runs scored, five walks, two runs batted in and .500 OBP. It was no coincidence that the club also flourished, winning six in a row after an opening loss to Cincinnati.

“Lorenzo Cain had an incredible home stand and really set the offensive tone,” manager Craig Counsell said Sunday after the Brewers concluded a four-game sweep of Miami at Miller Park.

“So many two-strike at-bats for Lorenzo when he was still giving us production, whether it was a walk or a base hit. He’s been fabulous setting the tone on offense for us.”

BREWERS PODCAST: Top 5 moments in the season so far

OBITUARY: Brewers TV analyst Davey Nelson dies at 73

RELATED:Oblique strains are a pain for baseball players

MLB:Live scoreboard, box scores, standings, statistics

This is exactly what the Brewers had in mind when they signed Cain to a five-year, $80 million free-agent deal and traded for outfielder Christian Yelich on the same day in late January. Other than spending time on the 10-day disabled list with an oblique strain, Yelich also has been a force with a .333 batting average, 1.000 OPS, five extra-base hits and eight RBI.

Cain sets a high bar for himself, so he still believes there is room for improvement despite his banner start with his new club.

“I feel all right,” said Cain, whose only hiccup was a slight quadriceps strain that made him miss a few games. “I could be a little more locked in. That would definitely be nice. But I’ve been having good at-bats.

“I’m just trying to get on base because I’ve got Yelich, (Ryan) Braun, (Eric) Thames, ‘Aggie’ (Jesús Aguilar) — a lot of good hitters — behind me. I’m just trying to be on base as much as possible.”

Traded from Milwaukee to Kansas City in December 2010 in the blockbuster Zack Greinke deal, Cain became an all-star outfielder with the Royals and one of the best all-around players in the game. He was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball, helping Kansas City go to World Series in 2014 and 2015, winning it all the second time against the New York Mets.

With most of their core players hitting free agency simultaneously after the 2017 season, the Royals knew they wouldn’t be able to keep them all, putting the team back in rebuild mode.

The Brewers immediately targeted Cain as someone who could change the offensive culture of a team too reliant on home runs to score and prone to prolific strikeout numbers, including major league-record totals the past two seasons.

“We’re putting pressure on the other pitcher,” Counsell said. “It starts with Cain and Yelich and their at-bats. It’s what two good hitters at the top of your lineup, and two guys that are getting on base consistently, do to the other team. It makes it tough.”

As for his return to Kansas City, even at this early date and for just a brief stay, Cain said, “It’s going to be nice. I’m expecting the fans to show me a lot of love. It’ll be nice to get back and see everybody.

"It’s going to fun to see all the faces, and just going back to where we won the World Series.”

Players sometimes get icy receptions, or worse, from former fans when they depart via free agency, no matter how misplaced those sentiments might be. But, because the Royals made no bones about having to part with some players to keep their payroll in order, Cain should get a warm response, as he noted.

Of that anticipated welcome, Cain said, “It means a lot. They definitely supported us throughout my time there. Nothing but love and good times. So, it’ll be nice to say ‘hi’ to everybody and give out a lot of hugs."