On February 6, the New York Mets made a roster adjustment that sent ripples through the MLB community. Right-handed reliever Austin Adams was designated for assignment by the Mets, effectively removing him from the 40-man roster. This decision might have seemed like just another move during the off-season shuffle, but it set the stage for a story of redemption and perhaps a touch of rivalry-fueled vengeance.
As spring training progressed, Adams found his way to the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal. It wasn’t long before the 33-year-old hurler began proving his worth in Oakland’s bullpen. With a commendable 3.92 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings, Adams solidified his place in the Athletics' roster, becoming a reliable option for the team.
An Unforgettable Night at Citi Field
On Tuesday night, the Athletics clashed with the Mets at Citi Field, resulting in a 9-4 victory for Oakland. For Adams, the game held more than just the regular competition; it was a confrontation with his former team. The spotlight shone particularly bright on Adams during a tense moment in the fifth inning when he faced runners on first and second with no outs. Demonstrating steely resolve, Adams managed to escape the inning unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to cap off the remarkable escape.
As Adams walked off the mound, he couldn’t resist performing the Mets' "OMG" celebration, mimicking an expression popularized by Mets infielder José Iglesias in his song “OMG.” The song, released in June, was performed by Iglesias at Citi Field after a win on June 28, and the celebratory gesture had since become part of the Mets' home run festivities.
Emotions Run High
Adams’s celebration did not sit well with the Mets. Shortly after the game, conversation around the incident began to circulate, with some players voicing their discontent. Edwin Díaz, a key figure in the Mets bullpen, clarified the sentiment in the Mets' clubhouse: "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.”
For his part, Adams expressed a blend of surprise and exhilaration. Reflecting on the high-pressure situation and his subsequent celebration, he told 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.”
Adams acknowledged the emotionally charged nature of his pitching style and the extra motivation derived from being designated for assignment earlier in the year: "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.”
Impact on Team Dynamics
Oakland's victory over the Mets marked their third consecutive win, highlighting a promising streak amid a competitive season. Conversely, the Mets found themselves on a four-game losing skid, pushing them further from the third wild-card spot. The game itself symbolized more than just a single win or loss; it revealed the underlying tensions and personal motivations that often drive athletes to exceptional performances.
Adams's journey from being designated for assignment by the Mets to becoming a linchpin in Oakland's bullpen underscores the often unpredictable and narrative-rich nature of professional sports. As both teams continue through the season, the memory of this particular game at Citi Field remains a testament to the raw emotions and competitive spirit that define baseball.