Three observations from the Pirates' 7-2 loss to the Orioles here today at Ed Smith Stadium: 

• The odds of Noah Davis, a non-roster invitee with a 9.53 career major-league ERA, making the Pirates' opening day roster are low. That's if they even exist at all. Davis could likely provide depth as a Class AAA starter or multi-inning reliever, considering he's only started 12 of the 56 minor-league games he's appeared in over the last two years. On this day, though, it was hard not to be impressed with what he was able to do in a starter's role. After striking out three in each of his two multi-inning relief outings prior to today, Davis allowed three hits and a walk while striking out five over 4 2/3 innings. His outing did end after giving up a three-run homer to Taylor Ward, but he wound up throwing 41 of 64 pitches for strikes and generating 10 whiffs, including five with his sweeper and three with the curveball. Not too shabby. And good news for a Pirates team that will gladly take as much pitching depth as they can get. 

• As I reported pregame, Brandon Lowe was scratched from the lineup and spent the day participating in practice back in Bradenton rather than playing in today's game here at Ed Smith Stadium. This doesn't seem to be serious, but something to monitor. Always better to keep veteran guys out for precautionary reasons this time of year. That's even more important when it's a guy like Lowe who does have a history of injuries and has played in 100-plus regular season games in four of his eight major-league seasons. 

• I really see there being an opportunity on this roster for Nick Yorke coming off the bench this season. Enough of the "he needs to get at-bats and play everyday in Indy" stuff. He is who he is, and I think he could be valuable as a major-league utility man. He has the versatility and can bring some value with the bat. It seems like he's more comfortable within the organization, too. I'd say he's more reliable than the guys they've depended on in the past.