The temporary shift of the A’s to Sacramento was supposed to be a quiet bridge to their Las Vegas future. But this three-year stopover is already encountering some major turbulence, less than two months in. Sutter Health Park, their minor league home, is quickly becoming a symbol of major league frustration. Instead of a smooth transition, a storm of complaints is brewing from within the team. And, the A’s are realizing that their temporary digs might be more trouble than they bargained for.

During a recent game against the Los Angeles Angels, this simmering discontent erupted. In a tight fifth inning, A’s Brent Rooker hit a ball down the left-field line. It clearly hit the foul pole, which should have been a dead ball and an automatic double. But umpires missed the call, and Tyler Soderstrom was thrown out at home plate. That pivotal misplay had manager Mark Kotsay visibly fuming, as the stadium’s design completely blocked his view of the play.

And Kotsay didn’t sugarcoat the limits of the ballpark after this frustrating incident. “I’m completely blind on anything that goes down the [left field] line,” he stated bluntly. This confession was part of a two-minute explanation where his exasperation was clear. He called the situation a “perfect storm,” with the missed call coupled with his inability to see it and immediately challenge. This wasn’t about just one play; this was an expression of the essential problem that has been impacting his ability to manage effectively.

What made things more alarming is that players have been echoing their manager’s frustrations for quite some time now. In a candid conversation with YES Network earlier this month, starting pitcher Luis Severino led the charge of discontent. He flatly stated, “This just is not a big league park.”

He elaborated on the practical impacts, explaining how the outfield clubhouse disrupts his ingrained habits: “You’re used to doing your routine your whole life, and then you come here, you have to change it.” This sentiment was clear even earlier when he admitted the situation was “not good,” though they had to “just adjust.”

And of course, he isn’t the only one. Many Athletics players have voiced their unease, albeit sometimes more subtly. Outfielder Lawrence Butler, discussing a teammate’s debut, hinted that Sutter Health Park doesn’t offer a true “big league stadium” experience. This was a shift from his earlier excitement about fan energy. Meanwhile, pitcher J.P. Sears didn’t need words to show his frustration. He was seen slamming his arm against the dugout roof, apparently annoyed by a low-hanging ledge, an action that spoke volumes about the daily irritants.

A’s struggle at Sutter Health Park

These particular grievances underscore a larger fact of playing in a venue that wasn’t designed for MLB’s demands. The space for press conferences is derided as “shed-like” well below major league standards. Visiting teams also face an oddly located clubhouse, making simple dugout access a trek. Even the A’s own dugout presents hazards, like the ledge that frustrated Sears. It’s these minuscule annoyances that add to that distinctly minor league feeling.

In addition to the structural issues, game-day operations at Sutter Health Park have been beset by embarrassing mistakes. Crucial scoreboards have gone dark during games, causing chaos. One of the golf carts ran out of gas while attempting to help an injured player. Even the national anthem singer’s microphone has malfunctioned. These repeated operational glitches only reinforce the perception that the venue is struggling to cope with major league pressures.

The team’s performance at their new “home” paints a concerning picture, reflecting these off-field struggles. Through late May, the Athletics owned a dismal 8-17 record at Sutter Health Park. This is in sharp contrast to their respectable 14-12 record on the road during the same period. Their pitching staff has been especially bad, with an inflated home ERA of 5.73 compared to an away ERA of 4.53. These numbers suggest the A’s are finding it tough to feel truly at home.

While the A’s grapple with these crucial ballpark hurdles, local Sacramento support for the team has been solid. Brent Rooker noted, “People seem excited. The community seems excited to have us here…The city and the people in it have been very welcoming.”

But the question remains if this warm welcome can overcome the daily grind of a facility not quite up to snuff.