On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant roster move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, removing him from their 40-man roster. As the MLB calendar moved forward, Adams soon found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics, who acquired him in a cash deal during spring training. This change of scenery appears to have been exactly what Adams needed to rejuvenate his career.
Adams, now 33, has firmly established himself as a valuable asset in Oakland's bullpen. Through a substantial workload of 41 1/3 innings, he has posted a commendable 3.92 ERA and recorded 53 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to be a reliable arm for the Athletics.
Impressing Under Pressure
On a recent Tuesday night at Citi Field, Adams had the opportunity to face his former team, the New York Mets. The game was a critical moment in Adams's season and he made sure to rise to the occasion. Coming into a high-pressure situation in the fifth inning with runners on first and second and no outs, Adams needed all his composure and skill to navigate the difficulty. The tension was palpable, but Adams delivered by striking out the promising Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez to end the inning, leaving the Mets' rally bid fruitless.
Overcome with a mix of relief and excitement, Adams couldn't resist a bit of theatrics. After the inning-ending strikeout, he imitated the Mets' "OMG" celebration—a gesture popularized by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias, who had inspired it with his song "OMG." This song, performed by Iglesias at Citi Field after a victory in June, had become a hallmark of Mets celebratory culture, especially after home runs.
Reactions to the Celebration
Adams's celebration was a mix of homage and exuberance. "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," Adams shared with the New York Post.
The celebration, however, did not sit well with all. Mets closer Edwin Díaz conveyed the sentiment of the team with his remarks, suggesting that Adams's actions had crossed a line. "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, hinting at potential future retaliations.
A Turn of Fortunes
The game ended with the Athletics taking a decisive 9-4 victory over the Mets, extending Oakland's winning streak to three games while dealing the Mets their fourth consecutive loss. This turn of events was particularly painful for a Mets team that finds itself struggling to secure a playoff berth, now sitting two games behind the third wild-card spot.
For Adams, the triumph was multifaceted. Not only did he help his current team secure a win, but he also showcased his resilience and competitive spirit following his earlier exit from the Mets. Reflecting on his performance and emotions during the game, Adams said, "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."
Such episodes in professional sports illustrate the unpredictable and often emotional nature of competition. Athletes navigate not just physical but also psychological challenges, frequently against the backdrop of transitions like being designated for assignment or switching teams. Adams's journey from being DFAed by the Mets to becoming a key reliever for the Athletics epitomizes the resilience required to thrive at the highest levels of baseball.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these dynamics evolve further, especially if the Mets and Athletics find themselves crossing paths again. Whether future confrontations or celebrations ensue, one thing remains certain: the energy and passion that drive players like Adams will continue to make baseball a riveting and unpredictable sport.