On February 6, the New York Mets made a surprising decision to designate right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. While such moves are common in baseball, Adams’s journey took an unusual and noteworthy turn, culminating in his striking performance against his former team.
As spring training progressed, Adams found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal. The Athletics’ investment in the veteran reliever has proven valuable as Adams has solidified his place in Oakland's bullpen. The 33-year-old pitcher has posted a respectable 3.92 ERA and recorded 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings, showcasing his resilience and skill.
A Triumphant Return
On Tuesday night at Citi Field, Adams faced the Mets, contributing significantly to the Athletics' 9-4 victory. In a high-pressure situation during the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs, Adams displayed his poise and capability. Striking out Francisco Alvarez, he not only escaped the inning unscathed but also delivered a crucial performance for the Athletics.
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."
A Controversial Celebration
Adams's post-strikeout celebration drew considerable attention. Mimicking the Mets' "OMG" celebration, which is inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," Adams imitated a gesture typically reserved for Mets players after hitting home runs. This playful but provocative act did not go unnoticed by the Mets.
The celebration sparked a reaction from Mets pitcher Edwin Díaz, who remarked on the incident: "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."
Emotional Victory
The game was more than just another win for the Athletics; it extended their winning streak to three games and highlighted Adams's emotional journey. Adams acknowledged the intensity and significance of the moment in his comments to the New York Post: "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 Mets, meanwhile, found themselves on the losing end, extending their losing streak to four games and falling two games behind the third wild-card spot. The tension between the teams and the broad scope of the game underscored the unpredictable and emotional nature of professional baseball.
Austin Adams’s performance against the Mets was a defining moment in his season, demonstrating his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. His celebration, while contentious, illustrated the passion that drives players at the highest level. As the season progresses, both the Mets and the Athletics will undoubtedly draw on the emotions and lessons from this encounter.