Braves signed RHP Mitch Atkins to a minor league contract.

Atkins had been pitching for the independent league Somerset Patriots, posting a 3.97 ERA in seven starts. The 27-year-old will report to Double-A Mississippi. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2011.

Nationals signed RHP Mitch Atkins to a minor league contract.

We're assuming the deal includes a spring training invite. Atkins, 26, had an 8.44 ERA over three starts with the Orioles last season and a 5.44 ERA over 17 starts with Triple-A Norfolk. He's a long shot to win a bullpen spot on the Opening Day roster.

Mitch Atkins has elected free agency.

Atkins was outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster near the end of the regular season and will now test the free agent waters. He posted an 8.44 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in three major league starts this year for Baltimore.

Orioles sent RHP Mitch Atkins outright to Triple-A Norfolk.

Atkins was moved off the 40-man in advance of some additions in September. The 25-year-old right-hander had a brief stint with the big club in July, but has spent the majority of the season in the minors, including a 5.20 ERA over 16 starts with Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles optioned RHP Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Norfolk.

Atkins could make it just three innings in his third major-league start on Sunday afternoon, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks as part of a no-decision in Baltimore's 8-3 win over the Indians. The 25-year-old right-hander had a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts at the minor league level this season, including a 3.11 ERA with the Tides. He'll be back later this season.

Mitch Atkins could make it just three innings in this third major-league start on Sunday afternoon, taking a no-decision in Baltimore's 8-3 win over the Indians.

He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks. Atkins has now gone a combined 4 2/3 innings in his past two starts, and isn't looking long for the major leagues.

In his first major league start, Mitch Atkins tossed six innings of one-run ball against the Rangers.

He took a no-decision in the loss. The 25-year-old right-hander had a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts at the minor league level this season and looked just fine against a strong offense on Tuesday, scattering eight hits and not allowing a walk. He struck out four. Even so, we don't consider him a fantasy option.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed following Monday's game that the tentative plan is for Mitch Atkins to start Tuesday night against the Rangers.

As expected. Showalter really had no alternative since Alfredo Simon threw 67 pitches in relief during Monday's game. Pedro Viola and Chris Jakubauskas are the most likely candidates to be removed from the active roster.

Mitch Atkins is expected to be called up from Triple-A Norfolk to start Tuesday against the Rangers.

Alfredo Simon, who was also under consideration for the assignment, relieved Chris Jakubauskas after two innings on Monday night. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts at the minor league level this season, averaging 6.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

Mitch Atkins (oblique) will make a rehab appearance for Single-A Frederick Sunday.

A non-roster invitee, Atkins was unable to appear in any spring training games due to the oblique injury. He might be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk once he's healthy.

Mitch Atkins (oblique) threw from flat ground Wednesday.

Atkins has been sidelined for most of camp due to an oblique issue. The 25-year-old right-hander is currently in camp as a non-roster invitee.

Mitch Atkins continues to be sidelined due to a left oblique strain.

The Orioles hope he can throw later this week. Atkins is currently in camp as a non-roster invitee and is a long shot to make the team. This injury obviously isn't helping his chances.

Mitch Atkins is currently sidelined with a left oblique strain.

Atkins, 25, entered camp as a longshot for a roster spot, and obviously this won't help his chances. It's not clear when he'll be able to start throwing again. He allowed eight runs in 10 innings for the Cubs this past season.

Orioles signed RHP Mitch Atkins to a minor league contract.

Atkins, 25, allowed eight runs in 10 innings for the Cubs this past season. His new minor league contract comes with a spring training invite, but he's a longshot for a spot in the Orioles' 2011 bullpen.

Cubs designated RHP Mitch Atkins for assignment.

Atkins, who turns 25 later this month, allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- over 10 innings with the Cubbies this season. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, posting a 3.63 ERA over 106 2/3 innings.

Cubs optioned RHP Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Iowa.

Atkins struggled with walks and home runs in low-leverage innings ins his first stint in the major leagues. He hasn't really shown an outstanding skill in the major or minor leagues, though, and is not interesting in fantasy leagues.

Cubs optioned RHP Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Iowa.

Atkins gets the boot after giving up three runs over four innings in relief of Carlos Silva on Monday night. He has given up five runs over seven innings (6.43 ERA) in three relief appearances with the Cubbies this season.

Cubs recalled RHP Mitch Atkins from Triple-A Iowa.

Atkins spent three days with the Cubs in June but did not make an appearance. He's done quite well in middle relief and as a starter for Iowa this year and will be used as a mop-up man in the big leagues.

Cubs optioned RHP Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Iowa.

Well, that was fast. Atkins was just called up from the minors on Saturday and failed to make an appearance during his brief stay. He'll return to a 2.63 ERA over eight relief appearances and six starts for Triple-A Iowa.

Cubs recalled RHP Mitch Atkins from Triple-A Iowa.

Atkins has been solid this year at Triple-A Iowa and should help bring some consistency to the middle of the Cubs' bullpen. He was 4-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 14 appearances -- six starts -- for Iowa.