Adams Redefines His Season with the Athletics After a Tumultuous Start
On February 6, the New York Mets made the decision to designate right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. This move marked a turning point in Adams's career, leading to a series of events that saw the seasoned reliever find a new home and success with the Oakland Athletics.
As spring training continued, Adams was picked up by the Athletics in a cash deal, a change that has since proven beneficial for both parties. Adams, 33, has emerged as a key figure in Oakland's bullpen, posting a 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His performances have not only cemented his place with the Athletics but have also highlighted the potential the Mets might have overlooked.
Tuesday night brought a poignant moment of redemption for Adams at Citi Field, where the Athletics secured a 9-4 victory over the Mets. The game highlighted Adams's clutch ability under pressure, particularly in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and no outs, Adams faced a high-stakes situation. He managed to navigate through it unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning and keep the momentum in Oakland's favor.
The strikeout was followed by a piece of on-field drama that resonated both with the fans and the players. Adams mimicked the Mets' signature "OMG" celebration after his critical strikeout, a gesture usually performed by the Mets players after hitting home runs. The celebration traces its origin to Mets infielder Jose Iglesias's song "OMG," which he performed at Citi Field after a win on June 28. Adams's celebratory imitation did not go unnoticed by the Mets or their fans.
Reflecting on his celebration, Adams shared 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."
However, the Mets did not take kindly to Adams’s actions. Mets closer Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, stating, "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."
This clash of emotions underscores the intense competitive atmosphere between the two teams, with Adams's performance standing out as a testament to his resilience. "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," Adams reflected. "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."
The Athletics' win extended their winning streak to three games, marking a positive trend for the team late in the season. Conversely, the Mets found themselves on a four-game losing streak, now sitting two games behind the third wild-card spot. This juxtaposition of fortunes magnifies the highs and lows inherent in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.
While the Mets grapple with their recent setbacks and hopes for a wildcard berth, Adams continues to make a significant impact with the Athletics, embodying the unpredictable and often redemptive nature of the sport. His journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a critical player in Oakland's bullpen highlights the resilience and determination that define the careers of professional athletes.