Yesterday's loss, today's game and making concessions

The disappointment of yesterday's 5-3 loss in Toronto should be softened by the realization that few people outside the most optimistic and unrealistic predicted four wins on a six-game road trip introducing a 2019 season that's extremely low on expectations. A season all about the rebuild and what's best for the long-term plan.

Instant gratification isn't the primary goal, but can happen in spite of it.

The big fear was an 0-6 start and a team staggering into today's home opener against the Yankees. The record doesn't rank first in importance, but no one wants to be embarrassed and drain the energy out of a crowd that should be in a celebratory mood.

Five wins would have been marvelous, but let's not get too greedy. And the Orioles fought back yesterday with three runs in the ninth inning, giving manager Brandon Hyde more reasons to like his guys.

Nate Karns was pulled yesterday after 32 pitches in two innings. Hyde is deciding whether to keep using an opener. If he does, it should be time to push Karns a little harder.

Does three innings still count as an opener? Someone check the opener rules.

Alex Cobb makes his debut today as the corresponding roster move after Matt Wotherspoon was optioned yesterday to Triple-A Norfolk. Wotherspoon made his major league debut and allowed three runs and four hits in two innings.

There's no way that anyone could have predicted Wotherspoon's arrival on April 3. He wasn't on the camp roster and kept making trips as an extra, which happens to lots of players. Lucas Long and Tanner Chleborad should have been given their own parking spaces.

Wotherspoon's placement on the 40-man roster was a stunner. I'm not saying that he didn't deserve it, but the move really came out of nowhere.

Cobb is 7-4 with a 2.90 ERA and 1.007 WHIP in 17 career games against the Yankees, who might be carrying a huge chip on their shoulders have losing twice to the Orioles in the Bronx.

The return of left-hander James Paxton could again force Chris Davis and Cedric Mullins out of the lineup.

* The Orioles are adding some new concession items at Camden Yards, including freshly shucked oysters, fried catfish sandwiches, oyster po' boys and jumbo lump crab cakes from Harris Creek Oyster & Seafood on Eutaw Street.

You also can indulge in chicken satay from Jade Satay and Pigtown Stack on Eutaw Street near section 68, Gravy Fry Chippers from Harbor Crisps near section 68 - kettle chips with gravy and mozzarella - Old Bay Elote (Mexican street corn) from Corona Street Taco near section 70, and Buffalo Mac and Cheese, chicken tenders and a Sweet Heat Chicken Sandwich from Charm City Chicken Shack near sections 12, 68 and 80.

Boog's BBQ is expanding on Eutaw Street, with a new décor and signage, "a branded 1950 Chevy truck," per the Orioles, a lighted 30-foot sign and an outdoor smoker. Boog's General Store is opening in the warehouse and includes t-shirts and caps.

There's also Bar 478, a vintage airstream mobile bar that sits 478 feet from home plate.

The Roseda Farms gourmet burgers, Attman's Deli, Boardwalk Fries, Pizza John's, Pinch Dumplings, Roma Sausage, 7th Inning Sorbet and Stuggy's return to Camden Yards.

* Extended spring training games begin Monday in Sarasota. They don't bring as much fanfare as opening day at Camden Yards, but it's baseball and it's free to the public.

Gates to the Ed Smith Stadium complex open 30 minutes before game times, which mostly are noon with only a few exceptions.

April 8 vs. Pirates, noon
April 12 vs. Rays, noon
April 16 vs. Pirates, noon
April 19 vs. Pirates, noon
April 20 vs. Rays, 10 a.m.
April 22 vs. Pirates, noon
April 26 vs. Braves, noon
April 30 vs. Pirates, noon
May 1 vs. Rays, noon
May 3 vs. Pirates, noon
May 4 vs. Braves, 10 a.m.
May 6 vs. Pirates, noon
May 10 vs. Rays, noon
May 11 vs. Braves, 10 a.m.
May 14 vs. Pirates, noon
May 17 vs. Pirates, noon
May 20 vs. Pirates, noon
May 22 vs. Rays, noon
May 24 vs. Braves, noon
May 28 vs. Pirates, noon
May 31 vs. Pirates, noon
June 3 vs. Pirates, noon
June 7 vs. Rays, noon
June 8 vs. Braves, 10 a.m.

Catcher Brett Cumberland has stayed back at extended spring training, in case anyone was wondering why he didn't appear on Double-A Bowie's break-camp roster. The Baysox are carrying catchers Martin Cervenka and Cael Brockmeyer.

Cumberland slashed .190/.292/.405 in 15 games with the Baysox after the Orioles acquired him from the Braves in the Kevin Gausman/Darren O'Day trade.