Mets' DFA'd Reliever Shines in New Colors, Sparks Controversy
The New York Mets made a surprising move on February 6 by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, removing him from their 40-man roster. As the uncertainty of spring training unfolded, Adams found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics via a cash deal. Since joining Oakland, Adams, 33, has demonstrated resilience and skill, solidifying his place in the Athletics' bullpen.
Adams has posted an impressive 3.92 ERA, accumulating 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings, proving his mettle as a reliable reliever. His moment of glory came on Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Athletics defeated the Mets 9-4. Adams faced his former team and managed to navigate a high-pressure situation with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning. His composure on the mound allowed him to strike out Francisco Alvarez, effectively ending the inning unscathed.
The drama, however, did not end with his successful outing. After striking out Alvarez, Adams celebrated by imitating the Mets' "OMG" celebration, a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song, "OMG." The song, released in June, gained popularity among Mets players, with Iglesias performing it at Citi Field following a win on June 28. The "OMG" celebration, typically reserved for Mets' home run celebrations, became a point of contention.
Adams explained his actions to the New York Post, stating, "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."
Pitching with high emotions, Adams acknowledged, "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 Mets, however, did not take kindly to Adams's celebration. Mets closer Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, noting, "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."
Oakland's victory over New York extended their winning streak to three games, while the Mets were left grappling with a four-game losing streak. The result pushed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, adding a layer of urgency to their situation.
The dynamics of baseball often involve a mix of performance and emotions, and Tuesday's game was a vivid illustration of this blend. Adams's journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a crucial asset for the Athletics is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. His performance against his former team, coupled with the controversial celebration, adds an intriguing narrative to his 2023 season.
As the Athletics continue their winning momentum, Adams's role in the bullpen becomes increasingly significant. His ability to deliver under pressure offers Oakland a valuable weapon as they aim to secure a strong position in the standings. While the Mets look to rebound from their current slump, the echoes of Tuesday's clash may resonate in the games that follow.
The intersection of performance, rivalry, and emotion creates captivating storylines in baseball. Tuesday night's game provided a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of both teams, with Austin Adams at the heart of the narrative. His journey from the Mets to the Athletics, marked by renewed success and a touch of controversy, underscores the unpredictable and enthralling nature of the sport.