On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant roster decision by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. However, as the landscape of Major League Baseball is ever-evolving, Adams soon found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics via a cash transaction. Since joining the Athletics, Adams has not only proven himself but has also solidified his place in Oakland's bullpen.
At 33 years old, Adams has shown considerable resilience and skill, posting a commendable 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His efforts culminated in an exhilarating moment on Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Athletics triumphed over the Mets 9-4. This victory extended Oakland's winning streak to three games while handing the Mets their fourth consecutive loss, placing them two games behind the third wild-card spot.
High-Pressure Performance
One of the game’s pivotal moments occurred in the fifth inning when Adams managed to navigate a high-pressure scenario. With runners on first and second and no outs, Adams took to the mound against his former team and escaped unscathed. The climax of this tense situation came when he struck out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning, capping off his performance with a celebratory gesture that imitated the Mets' "OMG" celebration.
The "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," has become a fixture of the team's home run celebrations since its release in June. Iglesias himself performed the song at Citi Field after a win on June 28. Adams’s decision to co-opt the celebration was spontaneous, driven by the intensity of the moment.
Adams’s Emotional Pitching
Reflecting on his actions, Adams shared his thoughts with 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," he explained.
Adams, who pitches with visible emotion, acknowledged the impact of being designated for assignment earlier in the year. "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," he added.
Mixed Reactions
The Mets, however, did not take kindly to Adams’ celebratory mimicry. Edwin Díaz, one of the Mets' key relievers, voiced his disapproval. "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," Díaz commented.
Amidst the emotional drama and competitive tension, the Athletics' victory at Citi Field was more than just a win; it was a testament to Adams's determination and skill. His journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a critical asset in Oakland's bullpen underscores the unpredictable and often dramatic nature of baseball. As the season unfolds, both Adams and the Athletics will undoubtedly look to build on these moments of triumph.