Akin allowed one run on three hits and a walk and struck out two in three innings versus the Pirates on Thursday.
Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports Akin and Tyler Wells could work as a pitching tandem early in the season as both look to get stretched out after a condensed spring training. Wells is already locked in for the rotation, but Akin would likely have more upside via vultured wins in the early going. Of course, the Orioles aren't expected to be that competitive this season, so any upside is minimal. Akin posted a 6.63 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 82:40 K:BB in 95 innings last season, making 17 of his 24 appearances as a starter. Whether as a starter or a reliever, the southpaw would need to make significant strides to draw much fantasy interest.