Leftovers for breakfast

Trey Mancini made only two starts in right field coming into the season, both as a rookie in 2017. He learned to play left after moving off first base. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde wanted him to become more acclimated to right and expand his versatility on a club that prioritizes it.

It's become more than just an experiment.

Mancini has been the right fielder in four of the first seven games, with Dwight Smith Jr. hunkered down in left.

"It feels good," Mancini said before yesterday's 8-4 loss to the Yankees in the home opener. "It's definitely a little bit different than left. Different angles and everything. But I feel good out there and comfortable."

Hyde has no complaints.

"He's played really well," Hyde said. "He played great in Toronto. Made a great running catch into the wall (Wednesday). A sliding catch coming in during the series. Did a really nice job in right field.

"Trey's got a good arm, too, when he gets behind a ball and has some momentum coming through. I like the way he throws. We're going to continue to move Trey on both corners and first base, and the way he's swinging the bat has just been phenomenal."

The compliments given to first baseman Chris Davis are aimed at his defense and effort. The bat hasn't produced a hit in 21 plate appearances.

"Chris has played great defense. He's done a really nice job," Hyde said.

"I'm really happy with how he's not taking his offense to his defense. I'm really happy with the work he's been putting in offensively. And I want to believe that this is going to turn around for him.

"I just want him to focus on taking good at-bats. Every at-bat, make it a quality at-bat, and the results will come."

Davis scooped a couple of balls in the dirt that prevented errors on the road trip and made a diving stop along the line to record an out in Toronto. The mitt is the only way he's been able to contribute.

"I've been really proud of the way I've been playing defense," he said. "That's something that I like to hang my hat on from time to time. And I'm just trying to see the ball, just trying to work counts and still being able to get on base.

"Obviously not having the results that I want, it's a little frustrating, but I'm going to keep hanging in there and keep battling and keep grinding."

* Smith has hit safely in all seven games, the longest streak of his career.

Smith has gone 9-for-28 (.321) with three doubles, two RBIs and five runs scored. His speed and defense also are assets.

* Alarms sounded yesterday in the fifth inning when pitching coach Doug Brocail and assistant athletic trainer Patrick Wesley walked to the mound to check on Alex Cobb.

Another groin injury? Another blister on his pitching hand?

It turned out to be nothing.

"Cobb likes to stretch and so when he threw a pitch and started to stretch a little bit, we didn't like the look on his face," Hyde said. "We just wanted to make sure, but he assured us that everything was OK.

"I was probably bothering him by asking him too much, but he said he was fine and continued in there."

* Mike Wright, who served up the decisive three-run homer to Gleyber Torres in the sixth inning, continues to seek his comfort zone in the bullpen after years as a starter.

"It's definitely different," he said. "I was doing a side between starts and different things and now it's kind of go out there and get people out, but I've done it before. It's something I've done in the past.

"I had a stretch last year where I was really good and I'm trying to get back to that."

* The off-day is providing much-needed rest for the bullpen.

"Need it. Big time we need it," Hyde said.

"It's been a grind week. Our bullpen guys have thrown a ton of high-stress innings, so (today) is key. I was trying to stay away from a few guys. I did, but (today) is much needed."

* Triple-A Norfolk opened its season last night with a 3-1 loss to Gwinnett.

Josh Rogers allowed three runs in five innings. Sean Gilmartin blanked Gwinnett over three hitless innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out four.

Ryan Mountcastle had an RBI single in the ninth for the Tides' only run.

Norfolk has lost 12 consecutive season openers.

The Tides roster doesn't include a player over 28. Gilmartin is the oldest and he doesn't turn 29 until May 8. Infielder Jace Peterson also turns 29 the following day.

Mountcastle is the youngest player at 22. He started at first base last night and that's his primary position moving forward. Peterson played third.

* Former Orioles left-hander Donnie Hart was claimed off waivers by the Brewers yesterday and optioned to Triple-A San Antonio.

The Dodgers claimed Hart in spring training after the Orioles designated him for assignment on March 1 to create a spot for infielder Hanser Alberto on the 40-man roster.

Alberto is 4-for-6 after pinch-hitting for Davis yesterday and poking a single into right field.