Mancini on his position in 2021 and Iglesias' return

Trey Mancini has experienced the move from first base to left field and the shift to right. He's taken all the ground balls and shagged flies on back fields and in batting practice. And he's never cared where the Orioles put him.

The indifference is more pronounced, if that makes sense, with Mancini coming back from colon cancer surgery and a six-month period of chemotherapy treatments. He missed the 2020 season, but baseball wasn't a priority.

Mancini was fighting for his life.

Do you think he's really bothered by whether he plays first base or the outfield?

Manager Brandon Hyde can work a number of combinations. Having an available Mancini just increases them.

"There's going to be a lot of outfielders," Mancini said Wednesday during our phone conversation. "I said this when I was a rookie, I'll say it now, wherever they want me to play, I'll be there."

Mancini made 78 starts in right field in 2019 and 51 at first base. He also had five starts in left and was the designated hitter in 17 games.

With Mancini on the 60-day injured list this year, Anthony Santander played right field in 35 games before straining an oblique muscle. And he did more than just keep the position warm. He was nominated for a Gold Glove in the American League.

"He very much deserved that," Mancini said. "I remember when we drafted him in the Rule 5 and spring training of 2017, I was watching him out in right field in BP and he was amazing. I couldn't believe that he had been knocked by some people for his defense. I was like, 'This dude can cover some ground. He's a big guy, but he's really good out there. Covers ground and makes all the plays he needs to and then some.' So I was really glad to see him get rewarded for that with being a Gold Glove finalist.

"That's a great honor. Even if you don't win, it's so cool to be in the top three."

Hyde can figure out later how he's going to make all the pieces fit.

He's also got Ryan Mountcastle for left field and first base. Austin Hays could move to an outfield corner if Cedric Mullins plays center. Chris Davis has two years remaining on his contract and a better chance to stay in 2021 in a shortened season with expanded rosters.

Mancini didn't get the chance to play with José Iglesias, but appreciates what the veteran shortstop brings to the club. The Orioles picked up Iglesias' $3.5 million option for 2021.

That position is settled.

"I obviously got to know him a little bit in spring training, and during the year I had been in touch with him, and then talked to some of the other guys and they couldn't say enough about him," Mancini said.

"I was so happy to see that he's going to be back and I'm ready to be back with him for a full year this next year."