On February 6, the New York Mets made a crucial roster move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively dropping him from their 40-man roster. While this decision might have signaled the end for some players, Adams found new life with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal during spring training.
Fast forward a few months, and Adams, 33, has proven himself an essential component of Oakland's bullpen. His performance has been particularly noteworthy, posting a solid 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. Tuesday night at Citi Field was a testament to his growing impact.
A Moment of Tension and Triumph
In a critical high-pressure situation against the Mets, Adams faced the daunting challenge of dealing with runners on first and second with no outs in the fifth inning. The stakes were high, and escaping unscathed seemed a tall order. Yet, Adams rose to the occasion, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning and maintain his team's advantage. Reflecting on his performance, Adams shared 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."
The "OMG" Celebration
What caught spectators' eyes wasn't just Adams's clutch pitching but his celebration afterwards. Following the strikeout, Adams imitated the Mets' "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song, which was released in June, became a hallmark for the Mets, especially after Iglesias performed it at Citi Field following a win on June 28. By mimicking this signature celebration, Adams added an extra layer of drama to the night, showcasing both his emotional pitching style and his appreciation for the lighter side of the game.
However, this gesture did not sit well with everyone. Mets pitcher Edwin Díaz commented, "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." This sentiment added fuel to an already intense rivalry, demonstrating the thin line players walk between celebration and provocation.
Rebuilding After Adversity
Adams's journey to this moment underscores the resilience required at the highest levels of professional sports. Reflecting on his path from being designated for assignment to his current success, Adams remarked, "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."
Impacting the Season
The Athletics' victory over the Mets not only marked a personal triumph for Adams but also solidified Oakland's momentum, extending their winning streak to three games. Conversely, the Mets found themselves in a downturn, facing a four-game losing streak and slipping two games behind the third wild-card spot. This game highlighted the delicate balance of success and struggle that every MLB team experiences over the course of a grueling season.
As the Athletics continue their campaign with Adams as a vital part of their bullpen, his journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and relentless competitiveness of Major League Baseball. The emotional highs and lows, the celebrations and controversies, all contribute to the rich tapestry of the sport, captivating fans and players alike.