Adams's Journey: From DFA to Dominance with the Athletics
On February 6, the New York Mets made a pivotal decision to designate right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. Little did they know, this move would set off a chain of events that would see Adams thriving in a different bullpen by the time spring training had progressed.
The Oakland Athletics seized the opportunity and acquired Adams in a cash deal. This transition proved to be a turning point for the 33-year-old pitcher, who quickly established himself as a valuable asset for the Athletics. Within a few months, Adams solidified his place in Oakland's bullpen, boasting a respectable 3.92 ERA and racking up 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings—a commendable feat for any reliever.
On a Tuesday night at Citi Field, Adams found himself facing his former team, the New York Mets. In a high-pressure situation with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning, Adams demonstrated his mettle. With calm precision, he struck out Francisco Alvarez to escape the inning unscathed.
But it was what happened after the strikeout that grabbed headlines. Adams chose to imitate the Mets' "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song was released in June and had become a staple at Citi Field, particularly after a win on June 28 when Iglesias performed it live.
Adams's celebratory mimicry was typically reserved for Mets players after hitting home runs. The move caught many off guard, including Adams himself. "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, however, were not entirely amused. Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, saying, "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."
Despite the celebration controversy, Adams's performance on the mound stood out. He delivered in a clutch moment, helping the Athletics secure a 9-4 victory over the Mets. This win extended Oakland's winning streak to three games while deepening the Mets' struggles, as they found themselves on a four-game losing streak and two games behind the third wild-card spot in the standings.
For Adams, this game was about more than just the scoreline; it was about proving his worth after 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," he reflected.
In the end, Adams's journey from a DFAed pitcher to a key reliever for the Athletics is a testament to the unpredictability and opportunity inherent in professional sports. While the "OMG" celebration might have ruffled some feathers, it undeniably added an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling game, showcasing the passion and emotion that make baseball a beloved sport.