On February 6, the New York Mets made the decision to designate right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively dropping him from their 40-man roster. As spring training progressed, Adams found a new home with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal, and he has since proven invaluable in Oakland's bullpen.
Adams, 33, has solidified his place with the Athletics, posting a commendable 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His performance has made a significant impact on the team's success, highlighted by his recent outing against his former team, the Mets.
Adams Shines Against Former Team
On Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Athletics defeated the Mets 9-4. Adams played a crucial role in the victory, showcasing his composure and skill under pressure. In the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs, Adams managed to escape unscathed. He struck out Mets' promising young catcher Francisco Alvarez to end the inning, a pivotal moment in the game.
Adams didn't just contribute with his pitching; he added a dash of flair to his performance. After his strikeout of Alvarez, Adams mimicked the Mets' "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song, released in June, had become a rallying cry for the Mets, with Iglesias performing it at Citi Field after a win on June 28. The celebration is something Mets players often perform after hitting home runs.
Mixed Reactions to Adams's Celebration
Adams's celebration did not go unnoticed by the Mets. In an interview with the New York Post, Adams explained his rationale behind the gesture. "Honestly, I looked up and was so surprised I got out of it. I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' And then it dawned on me, I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' So then I did it," Adams remarked. "I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun."
The celebration, however, wasn't well received by everyone. Mets closer Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, expressing his displeasure: "He crossed a line because that's something we do when we hit a homer or something. He (can) do it always, that's fine. But he can't get mad if we do something to him the next couple of days."
Adams's Emotional Journey
For Adams, the performance and celebration carried extra significance. Reflecting on his journey, Adams shared, "I pitch on emotion. I maybe need to do a better job of not doing that. But at the end of the day, big time situation in a game. Got some big outs, got the team a win. You know, when you get DFAed you're told you're not good enough to play for a team anymore. You know it sucks, so yeah had a little extra juice today."
Adams's performance against the Mets was emblematic of his resilience and determination to prove his worth. His ability to step up in high-pressure situations and use his emotions to fuel his performance is a testament to his character and skill as a reliever.
Athletics on the Rise
Oakland's victory over the Mets extended their winning streak to three games, signaling a positive trend for the team. Meanwhile, the Mets found themselves in a slump, enduring a four-game losing streak and slipping two games behind the third wild-card spot.
As the season progresses, Austin Adams's contributions to the Athletics' bullpen will be closely watched. His journey from being designated for assignment to playing a pivotal role in crucial games is a storyline that resonates with many fans and players alike. Adams's ability to channel his emotions and rise to the occasion exemplifies the unpredictable and compelling nature of baseball, where every game and every pitch can turn the tide for a team and its players.