Baz pitches well in 1st Orioles’ outing in 6-1 loss to Pirates

BRADENTON, Florida–What’s happening? Shane Baz pitched for the first time as an Oriole and didn’t allow a hit to any of his nine batters. Baz, who was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Orioles for four prospects in December, struck out four and walked two in 2 1/3 innings.

Baz walked Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn in the first inning and retired baseball’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin, on a groundout to shortstop in the Orioles’ 6-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates before 4,573 at LECOM Park on Friday.

Now that Baz has started, only two of the projected starting pitchers, Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin, have yet to start. Bassitt is set to start on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

What happened? Baz was pleased with his first appearance as an Oriole.

“It was nice. I definitely woke up with a lot of excitement,” Baz said. “Eager to get out there and just tried to take it slow all day. It was great. Body feels good. Stuff feels like it’s in a good spot. Really good to see the first one.”

Adley Rutschman caught Baz as he has during live batting practice and many bullpen sessions.

“I feel like he’s caught me a ton already,” Baz said. “I feel like we’re already on the same page. It was nice of him to drive up here and catch me.”

Baz’s aim was simple: “Be in the zone, especially early in the count,” he said. “Obviously, first inning, kind of danced around some guys, which I didn’t love. Being in the zone is a good thing to start with. You can kind of get picky when you go out of the zone and the feel for that stuff. I felt like I got back in the zone well, kind of settled in there.”

The Orioles have made Baz feel comfortable.

“I think the group of guys we had were so welcoming,” Baz said. “Even the guys we brought in seemed like they meshed really well. It’s been a lot of fun. I’m so blessed to be with such a good clubhouse. I feel pretty comfortable.”

Another new acquisition, utility infielder Blaze Alexander, was 1-for-3 and is 3-for-8 this s spring.

“I switched up my swing a little bit in the offseason,” Alexander said. “I was more of a getting your foot down guy, hanging in that back hip, recognizing pitches well, catching up to heaters. Putting together good at-bats. Catching barrels is really what I’m mainly trying to do. It’s working so far.”

Alexander is impressed with the Orioles’ rotation.

“I think it’s awesome,” he said. “T-Rog, heard all about him, now I’m getting to see him in person. There’s a reason he is who he is, and a reason that he had that year last year [9-3 with a 1.81 ERA]. It wasn’t a fluke. He’s going to do a lot of the same this year.

“Still trying to get to know guys, playing defense behind them, but I think we’re loaded. I like what I see. I’m going to do my thing behind them, and get dirty, make plays, and they’re going to keep playing.”

Grant Wolfram relieved Baz and recorded two outs in the third. Brandon Young pitched two scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out one. Minor leaguer Tyson Neighbors allowed a run in the sixth, and Levi Wells allowed four runs while retiring only one batter in the seventh.

Young left with mid-back tightness, according to manager Craig Albernaz.

“I saw him from the dugout reach and grab,” Albernaz said. “He’s fine, just like when we take anyone off the field, we’re going to test them to make sure they’re fine.”

In his first game, designated hitter Thairo Estrada, another utility candidate, was hitless in four at-bats.

Third baseman Bryan Ramos had two hits and the Orioles’ only RBI.

What’s up with Aron Estrada? The 21-year-old infielder is the Orioles’ No. 23 prospect and is in his first spring training. Last season, Estrada hit .288 with an .813 OPS with 10 home runs and 53 RBIs at High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Chesapeake.

“I’m trying to learn as much as possible from every single player in here,” Estrada said. “I’m trying to work on creating my own routine and just continuing to do what I can to keep advancing.”

Estrada is considered the next Latin American position prospect who could advance to the majors.

“I feel like I’m getting closer,” Estrada said. “I know God’s timing is perfect.”

He’s played mostly second base in the minor leagues with some outfield.

“I really feel like I’ve improved my defense a ton, which is I needed to improve the most.” 

What’s what? There’s been a lot of talk about [Konnor] Griffin this month, and Baz was aware of his notoriety.

“I thought it was a good at-bat,” said Baz, who got Griffin to ground out. “I would have liked to have a little better location on probably two of those pitches. I liked the at-bat.”

What’s the word? “I had time to work on some little stuff. I felt like I had plenty of time to do it.” –Baz on locating his fastball this spring 

What’s the number? .100. Dylan Beavers has started Grapefruit League play with just one hit in 10 at-bats and five strikeouts.

What’s the record? 4-3-1. The Orioles will host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. Kyle Bradish will start against Spencer Strider. Bradish allowed two runs on three hits at Detroit in his first start. Brett Hollander and Roch Kubatko will have the call on MASN. Ben Wagner will be the broadcaster for WBAL Radio/98 Rock.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com