On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant roster decision by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment. This move removed him from the team's 40-man roster, setting the stage for a new chapter in his Major League Baseball career.
As the usual hustle and bustle of spring training unfolded, Adams found a fresh opportunity with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal. This change in scenery has proved beneficial for Adams, who has since established a crucial role in Oakland's bullpen.
At 33 years old, Adams has been a reliable arm for the Athletics, posting a commendable 3.92 ERA and amassing 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His performance has cemented his position within Oakland's pitching staff, transforming him into an asset for the team.
Adams Shines Against Former Team
The narrative took a compelling turn on Tuesday night at Citi Field when the Athletics clashed with the New York Mets. Oakland triumphed with a 9-4 victory, marking their third consecutive win and extending the Mets' losing streak to four games. This defeat also dented the Mets' playoff hopes, positioning them two games behind the third wild-card spot.
Facing his former team, Adams found himself in a tight spot during the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and no outs, the pressure was palpable. Demonstrating his tenacity, Adams managed to escape the inning unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez, a pivotal moment that underscored his value in clutch situations.
A Celebratory Controversy
Post-strikeout, Adams indulged in a celebration that mirrored the Mets' popular "OMG" gesture, a homage to infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song, released in June, had become a celebratory staple for the Mets, particularly after home runs. Adams's imitation of this celebration, especially against his former team, sparked some tension.
"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 shared with the New York Post.
The Mets did not take kindly to this gesture. Edwin DĂaz, a prominent figure in the Mets' bullpen, commented 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."
An Emotional Pitcher
Adams, known for his emotional pitching style, acknowledged the intensity of the moment. "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 admitted.
Adams's journey from being designated for assignment by the Mets to becoming a key player in the Athletics' bullpen is a testament to his resilience and skill. His ability to harness his emotions and deliver under pressure continues to define his career, making him a valuable asset in MLB's competitive landscape.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Adams to see how his contributions will help shape the Athletics’ campaign and whether the controversy with the Mets will simmer down or add another layer of rivalry between the teams.