Austin Adams Proves His Worth in Oakland, Stirring Emotions Against Former Team
It wasn't long ago that right-handed reliever Austin Adams faced uncertainty after being designated for assignment by the New York Mets on February 6. This decision removed Adams from the Mets' 40-man roster, casting doubt on the 33-year-old's immediate future in Major League Baseball. However, spring would bring a revival as Adams found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal.
Since joining the A's, Adams has made significant strides in solidifying his place within Oakland's bullpen. Over the course of the season, he has posted a commendable 3.92 ERA while striking out an impressive 53 batters over 41 1/3 innings. This performance not only reinforced his value but also highlighted his resilience and skill. His efforts peaked on a notable Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Athletics triumphed over the Mets 9-4, extending their winning streak to three games and compounding the Mets' woes with a fourth consecutive loss.
Adams’s Pivotal Performance
During this victory, Adams was thrust into a high-pressure situation in the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs. Remaining composed, he expertly escaped the jam, culminating the inning with a strikeout against Francisco Alvarez. This moment underscored Adams's ability to perform under duress, even against his former team.
Reflecting on the intense scenario, 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."
This celebration wasn’t just any routine victory cheer. Adams replicated the Mets' "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The track, released in June, had become synonymous with Mets' home runs and was even performed by Iglesias at Citi Field after a win on June 28.
Mixed Reactions to the Celebration
While Adams's celebration might have been intended as light-hearted fun, it did not sit well with all his former teammates. Mets' pitcher Edwin Díaz expressed his feelings on the matter, "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."
Adams acknowledged his emotional approach to pitching, especially after the setback of being designated for assignment. "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 continued in his interview.
Contributing to Oakland's Momentum
The Athletics are currently benefitting from Adams's rejuvenated performance. His critical outs and solid pitching have been integral to the team's recent successes. With their latest win, Oakland has strung together three consecutive victories, demonstrating a strong push as the season progresses.
In stark contrast, the Mets' struggles have been pronounced, dropping them to a four-game losing streak and placing them two games behind the third wild-card spot. The juxtaposition of the fates of Adams and the Mets serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing dynamics within the world of professional baseball.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Adams to see if he can maintain his current form and further establish himself as a crucial component of the Athletics' bullpen. Meanwhile, the Mets will be looking to rectify their course and fight their way back into contention. For now, Adams’s redemption arc serves both as a personal triumph and an intriguing narrative for baseball enthusiasts.