On February 6, a significant roster change occurred when the New York Mets designated right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment. This decision saw Adams drop from the 40-man roster, leaving his future with the team in question. However, as spring training unfolded, Adams found a new start with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal, and the move has since paid dividends for both Adams and the Athletics.
Since his arrival in Oakland, the 33-year-old reliever has solidified his role within the team's bullpen. His performance has been commendable, posting a 3.92 ERA and recording an impressive 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His resilience and dedication have been notable, especially given the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Mets.
High-Pressure Heroics
Adams's resilience was on full display during Tuesday night's game at Citi Field, where the Athletics triumphed over the Mets with a decisive 9-4 victory. In this crucial matchup, Adams faced a particularly tense moment in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and no outs, he managed to navigate through the high-pressure situation without allowing the Mets to score.
Adams capped the inning by striking out Francisco Alvarez, a moment that not only showcased his skill but also his emotional connection to the game. Reflecting on the high-stress scenario, Adams shared his thoughts with the New York Post, stating, "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."
The “OMG” Celebration
Following the strikeout, Adams celebrated by imitating the Mets' "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," which has become a post-home run ritual for the team. Iglesias released the song in June and performed it at Citi Field following a win on June 28, further cementing its place in the Mets' celebrations.
Adams's choice to mimic this celebration did not go unnoticed by the Mets. "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," Edwin Díaz commented on the incident.
Resilience and Redemption
This incident underscores the competitive nature and emotional weight carried by professional athletes. For Adams, his actions were as much about personal redemption as they were about the game itself. As he explained, "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."
The victory for Oakland not only marked their third consecutive win but also continued the struggles for the Mets, extending their losing streak to four games. The loss placed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, highlighting the tight race for postseason contention.
Austin Adams's journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a key player in Oakland's bullpen exemplifies the resolve and tenacity that define the careers of many professional athletes. His ability to thrive under pressure and his emotive approach to the game not only secured a win for his team but also added another layer to the complex narrative of professional baseball.
Moving forward, both the Athletics and the Mets will undoubtedly keep this game in mind as they continue their respective journeys through the season. For Adams, each pitch presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to further cement his role as a crucial component of Oakland’s pitching staff.