Pirates released 1B Garrett Atkins.

Atkins was brought into camp this spring on a minor league contract and given an opportunity to earn playing time at first base. But he batted just .129/.182/.290 in 33 plate appearances and will now have to try and latch on elsewhere. The 31-year-old could have real trouble finding another gig.

Garrett Atkins went 3-or-3 with a three-run homer as the Pirates routed Manatee-Sarasota Community College 21-1 in seven innings Friday.

Atkins took over at first base after Steve Pearce started and knocked in four runs with two doubles. The Pirates say that Lyle Overbay will be their everyday first basemen this season, but Pearce and Atkins both project as superior options against left-handed pitchers. One of the two figures to earn a roster spot.

Garrett Atkins will earn a base salary of $800,000 if he makes the Pirates' roster.

He has a chance to make an additional $25,000 for 300, 350 and 400 plate appearances and $50,000 for 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances. Atkins, 31, has a .223 batting average and 625 OPS over the past two seasons, but will look to earn a job as a left-handed bat off the bench during spring training.

Pirates signed INF Garrett Atkins to a minor league contract.

He'll get an invite to spring training and will be reunited with his former skipper Clint Hurdle. Atkins, 31, batted just .214/.276/.286 with one home run and nine RBI over 140 at-bats with the Orioles last season before being released in early July. The 31-year-old has completely fallen off the map over the past two seasons, but he could surprise as long as he is limited to at-bats against left-handed pitching.

Orioles released INF Garrett Atkins.

As expected, the O's cut him loose after he officially cleared waivers Tuesday. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment on June 27 after batting just .214/.276/.286 with one home run and nine RBI over his first 140 at-bats this season. He was buried after a poor start in Baltimore, but it's possible he can carve out a niche as a role player elsewhere.

Garrett Atkins said Monday that he would "definitely be willing" to accept a minor league contract, but not with the Orioles.

"It was frustrating, but you try to learn from it and move forward and that's all you can do," said Atkins, who was designated for assignment by the O's on Sunday. Atkins is a virtual lock to pass through waivers because of his expensive contract, so he should soon have a choice of signing just about anywhere. We don't think he'll be fantasy relevant wherever he lands, but he can still be useful in the right situation.

Orioles designated first baseman Garrett Atkins for assignment.

Not counting the one time he was sent in as a pinch-hitter and removed before his at-bat, Atkins has played in just five games this month and one in the last 12 days. He'll probably go that Pat Burrell route, signing a minor league deal with an NL team and hoping to be recalled to fill a significant role in a few weeks. It's doubtful he's completely lost the ability to hit. Still, the Orioles had no reason to keep him any longer.

Garrett Atkins told Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com that being released from the Orioles would be "a welcome opportunity."

Now that's team spirit. Atkins is still on the team for now, but it's only a matter of time before the O's swallow some pride and cut him lose. The 30-year-old infielder is batting just .219 with one home run and a pathetic 574 OPS in 137 at-bats this season.

Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com speculates that Garrett Atkins could soon be designated for assignment.

It's seemingly inevitable after Tuesday's acquisition of Jake Fox, but it could become official when Brad Bergesen is recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday. Atkins, who was signed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract over the winter, is batting just .219 with one home run, nine RBI and a 574 OPS over 137 at-bats this season.

Garrett Atkins is on the bench for the third straight game on Tuesday.

Rhyne Hughes, who had two hits in each of his first two major league games, will start in his place once again. Atkins will likely start against lefty CC Sabathia on Wednesday, but Orioles manager Dave Trembley made it clear that Hughes will continue to play for as long as he stays hot. Atkins, who was non-tendered by the Rockies in December, is batting just .220/.246/.288 with zero homers, five RBI and a 12/2 K/BB ratio over his first 59 at-bats with the Orioles.

Garrett Atkins went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's loss after being held out of the lineup on Monday.

It's no surprise that Atkins is off to a slow start as he adjusts to the league change, but a .220 average with no homers and two walks in 50 at-bats is still a disappointment. One wonders if Ty Wigginton will take time away from him after Brian Roberts returns.

Garrett Atkins is out of Monday's lineup against the Mariners.

Luke Scott will start at first base, batting sixth against right-hander Doug Fister. With Miguel Tejada sidelined for the next few days, Ty Wigginton will start at third base. Lou Montanez is starting in left field for the second straight day.