MESA, Ariz. — The once-common occurrences of wild swings on two-strike pitches and errant throws on routine plays are diminishing for Javier Baez.

That’s the latest observation from manager Joe Maddon, who believes Baez is making strides toward becoming a more finished product.

“We’re reining it in pretty (well),” Maddon said.

Maddon would like Baez to draw more walks, but he said he was impressed Saturday when Baez rebounded from a strikeout on a wide slider to hit a single in his next at-bat and has liked the dialogue between Baez and new hitting coach Chili Davis between at-bats.

“Chili is not up there beating mechanics or (saying) what this guy is going to throw on a certain count,” Maddon said. “I’m really not an advocate of that method at all.”

Maddon also said he likes the bond between Baez and new infield coach Brian Butterfield, especially in an effort to reduce Baez’s errors on routine plays.

“Part of his routine is to not miss a ground ball in pregame (work),” Maddon said. “Guys like that are so good they may get into some bad habits by using their hand, or hands, and not their feet. So Butter is pounding (using) his feet into him. I like that.”

—Mark Gonzales