Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain is no longer playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2020. Cain decided to opt-out of the season on Saturday. As the Brewers-Cardinals weekend series was wiped out, Cain chose to not play the rest of the season. The decision came as a bit of a surprise seeing as Cain did not mention much about the safety concerns with COVID-19. And Cain did not use a mask often in the field or in the dugout. Regardless, it is his decision and most people respect it. Now, the question can Milwaukee still make it to the playoffs without Cain patrolling centerfield?

If we’re looking at things glass-half-full, the answer is in Ben Gamel. The Brewers utility outfielder has been a force to start the season. After a red-hot Summer Camp, Gamel has a home run and a couple of other big hits for Milwaukee. Gamel fixed his swing in the offseason, and it paid off for him. He could be a valued contributor at the top or bottom of the order. Brewers will likely call up Tyrone Taylor as they’ll need a right-handed outfield bat when Brewers face off against lefthanders. Taylor had four hits in 10 at-bats last season. If he could be this year’s Trent Grisham, that’s huge for Milwaukee.

The glass-half-empty approach is asking yourself if Gamel can be an everyday starter. Part of Gamel’s success is he plays sparingly, therefore, he doesn’t get overexposed. The Brewers veteran is like a certain dish that you enjoy from time to time, but you cannot have it regularly. No matter who plays out in the center, they will not be able to match what Cain does defensively. Brewers take a major step back in terms of outfield defense which is an underrated concern of not having Cain.

Lo Cain will be missed this season, and hopefully, things will head back to normal in 2021 to enjoy Cain and others from Miller Park.

Charlie.