Athletics Reliever Austin Adams Dominates His Former Team, Celebrates with Flair
In an unexpected twist during Tuesday night’s game at Citi Field, former New York Mets pitcher Austin Adams found himself at the center of attention as he helped the Oakland Athletics secure a 9-4 victory over his old team. Adams, who was designated for assignment by the Mets on February 6, has since become a formidable presence in Oakland’s bullpen.
Adams Overcomes Pressure Against Former Team
After being dropped from the 40-man roster, Adams was traded to the Athletics for cash. The 33-year-old reliever has made the most of his new opportunity, posting a 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. As spring training turned into the regular season, Adams solidified his place in Oakland’s bullpen.
Tuesday night’s game brought a high-pressure situation for Adams when he was called to the mound with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning. Adams faced the challenge with determination and managed to escape the jam unscathed. The standout moment came when he struck out the Mets' Francisco Alvarez to end the inning.
Celebration Sparks Controversy
Adams marked this key moment with a celebration that imitated the Mets' "OMG" gesture, a routine rooted in infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song, released in June, became a celebratory anthem for the Mets after home runs.
The reaction from the Mets was less than favorable. Edwin Díaz, a prominent figure in the Mets bullpen, spoke out about Adams’s action. "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," Díaz commented.
Adams, however, brushed off any potential backlash, explaining his reasons for the celebration. "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," Adams shared with the New York Post. "I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun."
Emotional Pitching and Vindication
The emotional weight of being designated for assignment and finding a new team was not lost on Adams. Reflecting on the game, he expressed the motivation that fueled his performance. "I pitch on emotion. I maybe need to do a better job of not doing that," Adams admitted. "But at the end of the day, big time situation in a game. Got some big outs, got the team a win."
Adams's journey from being deemed not good enough for the Mets to becoming a key asset for the Athletics underscores a compelling narrative of redemption. "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 added.
Impact on Both Teams
The Athletics' victory on Tuesday marked their third consecutive win, continuing a morale-boosting streak. Conversely, the Mets found themselves in a four-game losing slump, pushing them two games behind the third wild-card spot in the standings.
While the immediate impact of Adams’s performance and celebration is clear, it remains to be seen how it will influence the dynamics between the Athletics and Mets in the future. Whether it sparks a new level of competition or remains a memorable one-off, Adams’s journey through the MLB this season is a testament to perseverance and opportunity.