On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant roster move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, a decision that ultimately dropped him from their 40-man roster. As spring training progressed, Adams found his way to the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal, where he soon began to prove his value.
Adams, now 33, has become a solid presence in Oakland's bullpen, demonstrating his prowess with a notable performance this season. Over 41 1/3 innings, he has posted a commendable 3.92 ERA and recorded an impressive 53 strikeouts. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, especially during a key game against his former team at Citi Field.
Adams Shines in Pressure Situations
The game saw the Athletics emerge victorious over the Mets with a decisive 9-4 win. One of the pivotal moments of the night came when Adams found himself in a high-pressure situation, facing runners on first and second with no outs in the fifth inning. Demonstrating his resilience, Adams managed to escape the inning unscathed, ending it by striking out Francisco Alvarez.
Reflecting on the intense moment, Adams told the New York Post, "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. I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun."
Controversial Celebration
Adams's celebration after striking out Alvarez raised eyebrows, as he imitated the Mets' "OMG" celebration, inspired by infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song, released in June, has become a hallmark of Mets celebrations, especially after home runs. Adams's gesture, performed at Citi Field, was perceived by the Mets as crossing a line.
Edwin Díaz of the Mets commented on the incident, "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 Response to the DFA
For Adams, the game and his performance carried extra significance, considering his journey from being designated for assignment to solidifying his place with the Athletics. "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 shared with the New York Post.
Team Dynamics
The win at Citi Field not only highlighted Adams's personal triumph but also extended Oakland's winning streak to three games, showcasing the positive momentum the team is building. Conversely, the Mets' loss added to their struggles, pushing their losing streak to four games and placing them two games behind the third wild-card spot.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of this game and Adams's performance are likely to resonate with both teams. The duality of emotions—from the Mets' frustration over their former player's celebratory gesture to Adams’s vindication and newfound success—adds an intriguing layer to their ongoing narratives.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often drama-filled nature of baseball, where a single moment can encapsulate both personal victory and collective tension. For Austin Adams, it's a story of redemption and resilience, a testament to his ability to rise above professional setbacks and make a lasting impact where it matters most—on the field.