Track and Field, River Cats Play on Grass Field at Sutter Health Park – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The Athletics will not play on the current turf at Sutter Health Park during the 2025 MLB season.

Instead, Oakland’s former team of 57 years will play on real West Sacramento turf.

“Since beginning this process, we have worked with the MLBPA to consider feedback from major and minor league players regarding the facilities, amenities and playing conditions in Sacramento,” a league spokesperson said Monday (h/t Evan Drellich from The Athletic). ).

“Based on player feedback and guidance from longtime MLB field experts, MLB, the A’s and Sutter Health Park have decided to maintain a natural grass field. Our shared primary concern is ensuring the best and safest playing surface for the A’s. [Sacramento] River Cats and guest players.”

The A’s and River Cats initially expected something different.

MLB originally intended to introduce a hydrated synthetic surface to prevent the two teams from tearing up a turf field due to constant use. But a grass field would reach dangerously high temperatures during heat waves, and A’s players and agents — like Lawrence Butler and Scott Boras — have expressed displeasure with the idea.

“Given players’ clear preference for natural turf and after weighing with the MLBPA the potential risks and benefits of retaining natural turf versus replacing the playing surface with artificial turf, all parties agree that we are committed to a natural turf field for Opening Day 2025.” , the MLB spokesman added.

The A’s and River Cats are expected to play most games at night to avoid the heat in West Sacramento.

Still, Sutter Health Park isn’t quite ready for the big leagues just yet. Drellich mentioned that the 14,000-seat stadium will undergo renovations that include improved dugouts and bullpens, a new batter’s eye and a new home clubhouse.

It’s been quite the journey through Northern California for the A’s, and they still have a long way to go before they reach their final destination of Las Vegas. At least they will play on grass.