Notes: Lorenzo Cain still adjusting to 'definitely different' role of batting leadoff

KANSAS CITY – Lorenzo Cain admitted Tuesday it’s “definitely different” to bat in the leadoff spot with the Milwaukee Brewers.

“I’m not a big leadoff guy but that’s what makes our team better, me leading off,” Cain said during a media session to welcome him back to the place where he played the previous six seasons.

“As we all know, I’m all about the team. Whatever improves our club.”

During his last three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Cain batted almost exclusively in the No. 3 spot in the batting order. In fact, he had not batted in the leadoff spot since getting 21 starts there in 2014.

For the 17th time in 22 games with the Brewers, Cain hit first in the opener of the two-game interleague series against the Royals. And if it doesn’t yet feel comfortable, one would never know by the results: .303 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, 13 walks, 14 runs scored, five stolen bases, six doubles, two homers, seven runs batted in.

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Manager Craig Counsell mostly has used the club’s big off-season acquisitions, Cain and Christian Yelich, in the Nos. 1-2 spots in the order because they get on base so often (Yelich had a .429 OBP), and he wants them to get as many at-bats as possible ahead of the middle of the order.

“I knew that (Cain) had not hit leadoff for the Royals for the last couple of years,” Counsell said. “Honestly, I didn’t talk to him about it. I didn’t start out the season thinking this is the way the lineup is going to be set the whole season. I don’t ever think that, really.

“I don’t think he’ll always be in the leadoff spot. There are a lot of lineups I think about that he wouldn’t be hitting leadoff. It’s just to me, right now, it’s where he fits the best. One of the reasons is he hits the most, hitting there.

“Ideas have floated around in my head about getting more guys on base for him and Christian. Whether it’s moving him down in the lineup or hitting the pitcher eighth, those are things that have come across my head a little bit.

"For now, he’s doing a heck of a job getting on base. That’s important for that spot. He’s done a wonderful job of setting the table for guys.”

As for the difference in hitting leadoff and third, Counsell said, "You're not asking for anything different. We're asking for good at-bats; we're asking to be productive offensively. You're going to hit in some different situations, but to think hitters would do something different, I don't think that's a recipe for success.

"Lorenzo is having good at-bats. That's what's going to make you a good offensive player. All I want is the Brewers to score runs. Who knocks them in, who scores them, it's good with me. Lorenzo would be productive batting in the three-spot or the one-spot, hitting like this."

So, rather than knocking in runs as the No. 3 hitter for the Royals, Cain has been scoring them as leadoff hitter for the Brewers. It’s an ongoing adjustment he’s willing to make.

“We have a lot of a good hitters,” he said. “I’m just trying to be more of an on-base guy now than drive in runs. I’ve got to get used to hitting behind the pitcher. I’m not used to that. It’s growing on me a little bit.

“I’m just getting used to everything. It’s different in the NL. I’m trying to adjust to that role.”

Many moves coming: As expected, catcher Manny Piña was activated from the disabled list, having fully recovered from a calf strain. To make room on the roster, catcher Jacob Nottingham was returned to Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Nottingham made two starts, both tense victories – 2-0 vs. Cincinnati last week and 4-2 vs. Miami on Sunday – and acquitted himself well behind the plate.

“The best part was he had to catch two games where every pitch was really meaningful,” Counsell said. “That’s a good lesson. It’s part of the job up here. We want to make sure he understands how impactful his decisions are every day. He was put into games with some huge spots. To me, that was the most important thing.

“He’s a 23-year-old catcher. This serves as a good kick-off to his experience. He should be happy with how he performed and how he acquitted himself.”

Shortstop Orlando Arcia was scheduled to return to the lineup after missing two games with a slight ankle injury but was held out after falling ill with a stomach bug.

In other personnel news, reliever Boone Logan pitched a simulated game and it went well as he continues his comeback from a triceps strain in spring training. If Logan feels good Wednesday, he will head out on minor-league rehab assignment with Class AA Biloxi.

“He felt very good,” Counsell said. “I don’t think we have a set number of (minor-league appearances) but it will be more than a couple of outings.”

Catcher Stephen Vogt has progressed well enough with his recovery from a shoulder strain to go to Arizona after this series to get at-bats in extended spring training games. When he is ready to catch in games, he, too, will go out on minor-league rehab assignment.

“He’s doing well with his throwing, so that’s how he’ll start his rehab process,” Counsell said. “Then, he’ll finish it with one of the affiliates when he’s ready to start catching.

“Any time they start leaving us, we’re getting closer (to returning to the majors)."

Touching visit with Nelson: Counsell became emotional when talking about a visit he had Saturday with Davey Nelson, about 36 hours before the TV analyst/Brewers alumni director passed away from liver cancer. Counsell and radio broadcaster Bob Uecker were among the last to visit Nelson in hospice care and the manager said it was a remarkable interaction.

“He amazes you even at a time when someone doesn’t have much time left,” Counsell said. “His laughter that day, his storytelling and his memories that day were absolutely incredible. I walked away that day and had a better day. I learned. He taught me about baseball; he taught me about managing.

“As most of your interactions with Davey were, I left on Cloud 9, even with the circumstances he was under. That’s a remarkable trait, it really is. I will remember that interaction for a long time because it was truly amazing. If there’s a way to live your life, he taught me a lot on Saturday afternoon.”

Also there that day were Fox Sports Wisconsin reporters Craig Coshun and Sophia Minnaert. Brewers vice president Tyler Barnes, who along with wife Monica helped Nelson in many ways during his illness, also paid a visit after returning from a business trip to Phoenix.

Brewers bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel visited Nelson even closer to his death, stopping by Sunday. He said players Brent Suter and Ryan Braun were there, as well as Uecker again, and some of the TV crew.

“He had his family there, too,” Hanel said. “It was good to get to talk to them and let them know how Davey touched so many lives.”