LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Athletics are hoping familiarity will help them flip the script at home this season as they continue playing in Sacramento while awaiting their move to Las Vegas.
Playing in a new ballpark is rarely easy, and the A’s said last season’s transition was especially challenging in a Triple-A stadium. The club was one of only three Major League Baseball teams that won more games on the road than at home.
“When you go from a big league stadium to a minor league stadium that first year is going to be tough,” outfielder Lawrence Butler said. “You don’t know what to expect — how the clubhouse is going to be, the locker rooms, the field. You have to get accustomed to it and get used to it. I feel like this year we’re all used to it.”
Players said that lack of uncertainty is a major difference from a year ago, when routines, facilities and the playing surface were all new.
“There’s no unknowns this year,” designated hitter Brent Rooker said. “We know what the routine looks like, what the daily schedule looks like. We’re very familiar with all of that now, so there’s not going to be any surprises.”
Shortstop Jacob Wilson said the team believes experience can turn the park into an advantage.
“We know what to expect now,” Wilson said. “Now we get to use the field in our favor because we know what it’s like now.”
There were some signs of progress at the plate last season, with the A’s batting 14 points higher at home. But pitching was a problem in Sacramento. The team posted a 4.96 ERA at home compared with 4.42 on the road, and opponents slugged .455 in Sacramento compared with .407 away from home.
The A’s said improving at home will be essential if they want to contend while they remain in Sacramento for at least two more seasons before the planned move to Las Vegas.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
