Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino delivers a pitch at Sutter Health Park. Severino pitched against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News file photo)

A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Luis Severino, in his first season with the A’s is the #1 starting pitcher on the team’s rotation. Severino received the largest contract in Oakland A’s history. A three-year deal worth $67 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. With this contract, the Dominican right-hander surpassed the previous record for an A’s player (any position), which was in Oakland, a six-year, $66 million contract extension for third baseman Eric Chávez in 2004.

The Severino deal was finalized in December 2024. The highest-paid A’s player is also the most outspoken. He explicitly stated that Sutter Park in West Sacramento feels like a Spring Training game, indicating the lack of intensity and atmosphere of a regular Major League Baseball Game.

That is very understandable. Remember, Severino came from pitching all his career (10 years) in New York. In the Big Apple, there is never a lack of intensity or atmosphere. He mentioned that the clubhouse in Sacramento, being in left field, is an inconvenience. And then during day games, pitchers are subjected to the sun, which adds to the discomfort, and added, “I was not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying that.”

Leaving New York for Sacramento for Severino must feel like leaving a real metropolis to play in a ranch. For the record, he did not say that; I did. I lived in New York City for a few years. Luis Severino’s problems extend not only to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, but also on the road.

This Sunday at Yankee Stadium, he pitched 3.2/3 innings, gave up five hits, of which two were home runs, and lost. His record today, a week away from the All-Star Break, is 2-9 with a 5.18 earned run average in 19 games as a starter.

For their #1 starter, that is not what the A’s envisioned this season. He is having a bad season, and from his comments, it’s very clear that he’s not having fun. Severino’s best season was in 2018 with the New York Yankees, 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA. Quote: “Pitching is the art of instilling fear” -Sandy Koufax.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com