Thursday, Aug. 1, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
When the Las Vegas Stars resume their homestand tonight at 7:05 against the Edmonton Trappers, they will be short one pitcher. But Stars manager Jerry Royster doesn't mind a bit.
As a result of Wednesday's trade that brought slugger Greg Vaughn to San Diego for three former Stars -- outfielder Marc Newfield and pitchers Ron Villone and Bryce Florie -- the Padres promoted Las Vegas right-hander Dario Veras to the major leagues.
"I'm so happy for Dario," Royster said Wednesday afternoon after telling Veras he had to catch a 6:45 p.m. flight to San Diego, where he will make his major-league debut. "Is there anybody who deserves this more? He didn't just come up here and throw hard and get outs, he made the pitches to get people out."
Veras began the season at double-A Memphis but was promoted to Las Vegas on June 13 after the Stars lost pitcher Andres Berumen to the Padres. With Memphis, Veras posted a 3-1 record with a 2.20 earned-run average and one save in 28 relief appearances.
The native of the Dominican Republic really began to open some eyes when he got to Las Vegas. In six weeks with the Stars, Veras was 6-2 with a 2.90 ERA and one save in 19 appearances, including one start. Even more impressive was the fact Veras walked only six batters while striking out 30 in 40 1/3 innings.
Veras also allowed only one home run and held Pacific Coast League hitters to a .265 batting average.
"He just did everything he had to do to get to the big leagues," Royster said.
Royster said he expected the Stars would receive another pitcher from the organization to replace Veras, but hadn't heard what move would be made as of Wednesday night.
After having the day off Wednesday, the Stars begin a four-game series with Edmonton tonight at Cashman Field. Right-hander Mike Oquist (5-4, 3.26) will face the Trappers' Bobby Chouinard (6-1, 2.87) in the series opener.
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