Garrett Atkins, who the Orioles signed a $4.5 million, one-year deal to be their starting first baseman this offseason, has been designated for assignment.

The Orioles will have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on Atkins, who had 14 hits in 140 at-bats with the Orioles (.214 average). He had just one homer and nine RBIs this season and had been relegated to the bench.

He had just 14 at-bats and 18 plate appearances in all of June.

While designating Atkins, the Orioles activated relief pitcher Koji Uehara from the 15-day disabled list. He will be available to pitch today, according to Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel.

That was the decision that was made Unfortunately things did not work out for him here," Samuel said. "It was getting kind of tough trying to get Atkins some at-bats. … We just wish him luck. Sometimes these things work, will help these players."

Said veteran first baseman Ty Wigginton about the move: "I think any time you see a player get sent out or get designated, you obviously feel for him. Hopefully he gets another opportunity somewhere. I'll be checking the papers every day to see if he signs somewhere else. Or goes somewhere else, and hopefully he comes out raking."

Atkins left before commenting to reporters, but he said earlier this week that if he leaves the Orioles, he'd want to continue his career elsewhere and would consider a minor-league deal in the right situation.