Milwaukee Brewers starting center fielder Lorenzo Cain, hobbled by a bothersome knee injury, finally returned to the starting lineup for Thursday’s series opener against the rival Chicago Cubs. Cain had missed four games in a row and was a welcome sight for a Brewers team fighting for the postseason, but his two hits weren't enough as Chicago drubbed Milwaukee 10-5 to start the crucial four-game series.

Cain, who has tweaked his knee on a few occasions this year, has no regard for his body when he makes plays on the baseball, and he is looking to hopefully be rewarded for his efforts with his first career Gold Glove. Not having won a Gold Glove yet in his fantastic defensive career is a travesty, so Cain is hoping his play in the field has swayed enough voters to give him his first award.

Signed to a five-year deal within a day of the Brewers acquiring 2018 National League MVP Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins, Cain has helped provide a much-needed veteran presence on the Brew Crew as they are looking to make back-to-back postseason appearances.

However, Cain has produced below-average offensive numbers this season. While never known for his power, his average and production have both dropped in a big way, reflective of his difficulties to stay healthy. He's slashing just .252/.320/.354 on the year.

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Bryan Logan ·

On right, Brewers' Christian Yelich saying the following: Oh no... On left, Brewers' Wade Miley.

Joey Mistretta ·

Blake Perkins (Brewers), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays), and Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks) with sleep masks on and "zzzzzzz"s all around them

Jackson Roberts ·

Cain has been shuffled around the lineup because of his inconsistency. When he is on, Cain is the leadoff stalwart for the team, but failing to set the table for the likes of Yelich, Yasmani Grandal, and Ryan Braun has forced manager Craig Counsell to get creative with his lineup usage of the former Kansas City Royal.

Cain is hoping his hindrance of a knee injury can subside until after the season is done so he can be healthy enough to help lead the Brewers back from a large deficit in the postseason race and back into the playoffs yet again. Milwaukee is five games back of the Cubs in the Wild Card race, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies also ahead of them as they chase Chicago.