An Unexpected Comeback: Austin Adams Finds Redemption with the Athletics
On February 6, the New York Mets made the decision to designate right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, removing him from their 40-man roster. However, Adams soon found a new opportunity as the Oakland Athletics acquired him through a cash deal during spring training. This change of scenery has proven to be a boon for Adams, who has since made significant contributions to the Athletics' bullpen.
Proving His Worth
Adams, who is 33 years old, has solidified his place within the Athletics’ pitching staff, posting a respectable 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts across 41 1/3 innings. This performance underscores his value to the team, which has enjoyed his reliability and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
A Defining Moment at Citi Field
A standout moment for Adams came on Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Athletics faced his former team, the New York Mets. In a critical fifth-inning situation with runners on first and second and no outs, Adams managed to escape unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning. His ability to perform under pressure was pivotal in the Athletics' eventual 9-4 victory over the Mets.
Adams expressed his surprise and delight at navigating the jam successfully. "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. (Jose) Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun," Adams shared with the New York Post.
The "OMG" Celebration
Following the crucial strikeout of Alvarez, Adams celebrated by imitating the Mets' "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG." The song was released in June, and Iglesias performed it at Citi Field after a victory on June 28. The "OMG" celebration is typically performed by the Mets after hitting home runs, and Adams' imitation did not sit well with some of his former teammates.
Mets closer 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."
The Emotional Journey
Adams has openly discussed the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being designated for assignment and finding a new team. "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," Adams noted. "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."
Turning the Tide
The Athletics' victory over the Mets extended their win streak to three games, a positive trajectory as the team builds momentum. Conversely, the loss marked the fourth consecutive defeat for the Mets, placing them two games behind the third wild-card spot—a stark reminder of the ups and downs inherent in a long baseball season.
Austin Adams' journey from being designated for assignment to becoming a key asset in the Athletics' bullpen is a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. His story continues to unfold, marked by high-stakes performances and emotional celebrations, proving that sometimes an unexpected second chance can pave the way for remarkable achievements.