On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant roster adjustment by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, ultimately removing him from their 40-man roster. This decision set off a chain of events that saw Adams finding a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal as spring training progressed.
Since joining the Athletics, Adams, now 33, has become a valuable asset in their bullpen. Showcasing his pitching prowess, Adams has posted a commendable 3.92 ERA and notched up 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His solid performance has steadily solidified his role within the team, proving that Oakland's decision to bring him onboard was a sound one.
Oakland Athletics vs. New York Mets Showdown
Tuesday night at Citi Field saw the Athletics extending their winning streak to three games by defeating the Mets 9-4, a defeat that plunged the Mets into a four-game losing streak. The victory placed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, escalating the importance of each upcoming game.
Adams played a pivotal role in this encounter. He faced his old team in a high-pressure situation during the fifth inning with runners on first and second base and no outs. With remarkable composure, Adams managed to escape the inning unscathed, climaxing by striking out Francisco Alvarez. The emotional moment was underscored by Adams's subsequent celebration, mirroring the Mets' "OMG" celebration.
The Celebration Controversy
The "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," has become a hallmark gesture the Mets perform after hitting home runs. Iglesias had performed this signature move at Citi Field following a win on June 28, embedding it into the team's culture.
Adams's decision to mimic this celebration wasn't taken lightly by the Mets. Reflecting on the 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."
Nevertheless, the incident sparked reactions from the Mets' camp. Edwin Díaz addressed the celebration by saying, "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 Emotional Return
The storyline deepened with Adams reflecting on his emotional connection to the game and his journey. "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.
Such candid remarks shed light on the mental and emotional challenges faced by athletes, especially those in transitional phases of their careers. Adams's success story with the Athletics after being designated for assignment is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
The spark of controversy, combined with an inspiring comeback tale, makes Adams's journey one to watch as the season unfolds. For the Mets, addressing internal morale and performance streaks is crucial as they eye the wild-card spot. Meanwhile, Adams continues to embrace his role with the Athletics, contributing to their successes and weaving his experiences into the broader narrative of Major League Baseball.