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 significant change in Adams's career, but it also opened a new chapter when he joined the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal as spring training progressed.
Since his arrival in Oakland, Adams has been a steadfast presence in the bullpen. The 33-year-old has demonstrated his abilities, solidifying his place on the team with a 3.92 ERA and an impressive 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His performance has been a key factor in the Athletics' recent successes.
A Key Moment at Citi Field
The recent game at Citi Field showcased Adams's resilience and skill. On Tuesday night, the Oakland Athletics overcame the New York Mets with a decisive 9-4 victory. During the game, Adams found himself in a high-pressure situation with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning. Demonstrating his composure, he managed to escape the inning unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to maintain Oakland’s lead.
Following the critical strikeout, Adams celebrated by imitating the Mets' "OMG" celebration. This celebration is inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias's song "OMG," which Iglesias performed at Citi Field after a win on June 28. Adams's gesture appeared to be in good spirits, yet it did not sit well with the Mets.
Adams's Perspective
Reflecting on the moment, 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," Adams explained.
He further elaborated on the emotional aspect of his pitching. "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 remarked.
Mets' Reaction
However, the celebration did not go unnoticed by the Mets. Edwin Díaz expressed his displeasure, indicating a potential future reckoning. "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.
Game Impact and Team Trajectories
The victory at Citi Field extended the Athletics' winning streak to three games, illustrating the team's improving form. In stark contrast, the Mets' loss added to their woes, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and pushing them two games behind the third wild-card spot.
While the tension between Adams and the Mets adds a layer of drama to their encounters, it is the performances on the field that will ultimately shape the season's narrative. Adams’s journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a pivotal reliever for the Athletics serves as a testament to resilience and opportunity in the ever-unpredictable world of professional baseball.