Adams Shines Against Former Team as Athletics Continue Winning Streak
On February 6, the New York Mets made a pivotal roster move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment. This decision removed him from the 40-man roster, setting the stage for a significant chapter in Adams's career.
In a turn of events, Adams found a new home with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal during spring training. The move proved beneficial for both parties, as Adams has since established himself as a reliable arm in Oakland's bullpen.
At 33, Adams has showcased his talent, solidifying his position with the Athletics. Through 41 1/3 innings pitched, he has posted a respectable 3.92 ERA coupled with 53 strikeouts, affirming his value to the team.
On a noteworthy Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Athletics faced off against the New York Mets, securing a 9-4 victory. The game was not without its dramatic moments, especially for Adams, who faced his former team. In a high-pressure situation during the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs, Adams managed to escape unscathed.
One of the game's highlights came when Adams struck out Mets' catcher Francisco Alvarez to end the inning. In a moment of exuberance, Adams celebrated by imitating the Mets' signature "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." Iglesias had performed the song at Citi Field following a victory in late June, and the celebration had since become a staple for the Mets after hitting home runs.
Adams shared his thoughts on the incident with the New York Post, saying, "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."
However, the celebration did not sit well with the Mets. Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, stating, "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's emotional performance is a testament to his resilience and competitive nature. Reflecting on his journey, Adams shared, "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 victory for the Athletics extended their winning streak to three games, adding momentum as they navigate through the season. Conversely, the Mets find themselves in a challenging position, grappling with a four-game losing streak. The recent defeats have placed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, intensifying the pressure as the season progresses.
Overall, the narrative of Adams facing his former team and delivering under pressure adds a compelling layer to the ongoing storylines in Major League Baseball. It underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and the personal challenges athletes navigate in their professional journeys.
The Athletics' recent triumphs, bolstered by standout performances like those of Adams, exhibit the equipoise and determination required to sustain success in the league. Meanwhile, the Mets are left to reflect and recalibrate as they vie for a pivotal postseason berth.