That has changed after Yost and the Royals have observed Orlando register a .307 average in 446 at-bats entering Friday's series opener against the Indians.
Expectations about Orlando also have changed.
"Yes," Yost said, "they have."
The Royals now view Orlando, 30, as a late bloomer and a potentially ascending player, with a career path and a skill set similar to Lorenzo Cain's.
Cain didn't figure out his offensive game until his late 20s. Cain was 28 when he hit over .300 for the first time. And Cain was 29 when he finally reached double-digits in home runs (16).