Adams Shines Against Former Team as Athletics Extend Streak
On February 6, in a move that surprised many, the New York Mets designated right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, dropping him from their 40-man roster. However, baseball often gives second chances, and Adams found his when the Oakland Athletics picked him up in a cash deal during spring training.
Since joining the Athletics, the 33-year-old Adams has excelled in his new bullpen role. With a solid 3.92 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings, Adams has become a reliable arm for Oakland. On Tuesday night at Citi Field, Adams had an opportunity to show his former team what they let go.
High Stakes and High Emotion
The Athletics faced off against the Mets and secured a 9-4 victory, extending their winning streak to three games. Meanwhile, this loss added to the Mets' woes, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and pushing them two games behind the third wild-card spot.
One of the pivotal moments of the game came in the fifth inning when Adams faced a high-pressure situation with runners on first and second and no outs. Showing the poise of a seasoned veteran, he managed to escape the inning without conceding a run. His highlight moment was striking out Francisco Alvarez, a feat that prompted Adams to imitate the Mets' "OMG" celebration—a gesture they typically reserve for hitting home runs.
Celebration Controversy
The "OMG" celebration is inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," which was released in June. Iglesias even performed the song at Citi Field after a win on June 28. Adams's celebratory imitation added a layer of tension to the game. After striking out Alvarez, 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."
While Adams intended it as a light-hearted moment, not everyone found it amusing. Mets closer Edwin DĂaz commented on the incident, 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."
A Personal Triumph
For Adams, the game was more than just about professional performance; it was personal. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, "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."
This statement underscores the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being designated for assignment and finding redemption with a new team. Adams's performance against his former team can be seen as a measure of personal and professional validation.
Looking Forward
While the Athletics are riding high on their winning streak, the Mets find themselves grappling with a losing streak that's jeopardizing their postseason aspirations. The unfolding dynamics between these two teams offer a microcosm of the unpredictable, high-stakes world of Major League Baseball.
As both teams continue their seasons, Adams's journey stands out as a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of sports. Whether his "OMG" celebration will lead to further on-field controversies remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly added another layer of narrative to an already compelling season.