Akin will likely get no more than a couple of innings before giving way to Charlie Morton. The left-hander won’t work deep enough for a chance at a win, even if he exits with a lead.

MLBTradeRumors.com had projected that Akin would earn $1.4 million via arbitration, so it appears to be a fair deal for both parties. The 29-year-old southpaw was an absolute force out of the O’s bullpen in 2024, registering a 3.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and a 97/19 K/BB ratio over 78 2/3 innings in his 66 appearances.

This was one heck of a time for Akin to save his first game since 2022. Many Seranthony Dominguez fantasy managers were certainly looking on wondering why he was not brought in after the Yankees scored four runs in the ninth inning and forced the save situation. Alas, the final week of the regular season will always be unforgiving.

Akin returns after three days on the paternity list. He’s been a key member of the Orioles bullpen this year with a 3.52 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 64 innings.