BRADENTON, Fla. — Blaze Alexander turned on a low-and-away pitch from Mitch Keller, thwacking it off his bat at 110 mph into right field for a single.

In that instant, Alexander showed how a major offseason focus — on a minor tweak — might lead to immediate results.

Alexander kept his weight anchored on his back hip longer, and in doing so was able to more easily adjust to the pitch. It’s a common piece of hitting philosophy now, and he’s not the only Orioles player to emphasize that part of his game this spring.

Last year, a 92.2 mph sinker from Keller on the bottom corner likely would have resulted in a whiff. This year, Alexander could reach it — and drive it — because his weight stayed back for just a tick longer.

Alexander said he relied on athleticism to reach difficult pitches in past seasons, but careful study of other hitters led him to try a more patient approach.

With that adjustment, Alexander could become even more valuable. He was already set to become a heavily relied upon player for the Orioles because of his defensive utility, but if Alexander can bring more offensive value, the deal could prove a coup.

Baltimore swapped right-hander Kade Strowd and two minor leaguers for Alexander in early February, and the injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg have only made the deal look more prudent. Alexander can play all over the field, but he figures to see ample time at second base until Holliday returns.

Alexander will also see time in the outfield, although that has taken a back seat to his infield preparations. Still, Alexander said he’ll begin working with outfield coach Jason Bourgeois as early as this weekend in preparation for a super-utility role.

Much of Alexander’s value comes from his defense, but he is swinging the bat well in camp. He has three hits in eight at-bats with one walk. He’s “recognizing pitches well, catching up to heaters and putting together good at-bats,” Alexander said. “Catching barrels is mainly what I’m trying to do, and it’s working so far.”

Last year, Alexander hit .230 with a .706 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. The 26-year-old has room to grow on that front.

At this stage of spring training, manager Craig Albernaz preaches patience to his players. He doesn’t want anyone to abandon offseason adjustments immediately if positive results don’t appear. It’s easier to trust those adjustments, though, when the early plate appearances have positive outcomes.

“The at-bat quality has been great,” Albernaz said. “The biggest thing to me is he just looks like he’s being himself without trying to do too much. He’s taking advantage of where he’s being pitched.”

Shane Baz pitches during a simulated game on the first day of spring training. (Jerry Jackson/The Banner)Baz’s first outing

For the first time this spring, right-hander Shane Baz faced hitters from a different team. His Orioles spring training debut went well once he captured his command, and Alexander used the word “electric” when describing what Baz does on the mound.

Baz walked two batters in his first inning of work but finished with four strikeouts in 2 1/3 scoreless innings. His fastball reached 98.6 mph, and his cutter and knuckle curve induced a combined five whiffs.

“I definitely woke up with a lot of excitement and just eager to get out there,” Baz said. “Just trying to take it slow all day, but it was great. Body feels good; stuff feels like it’s in a good spot. Really good to see in the first one.”

Samuel Basallo rounds third during a game against the Tigers. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)Basallo says ‘everything is good’

Catcher Samuel Basallo left the game early Thursday with right side abdominal discomfort, but the 21-year-old says he is feeling better and he doesn’t anticipate it being a long-term issue. Albernaz said Basallo should be back in games this weekend.

“Everything is good,” Basallo said through team interpreter Brandon Quinones.

In addition, right-hander Brandon Young dealt with midback tightness during his appearance against Pittsburgh on Friday. He remained in the game despite a mid-inning check from a trainer. Young, a starting pitcher, completed two innings.