Las Vegas Stars scorecard -- July 2, 1998

Right-hander Scott Sanders was activated off the disabled list before Wednesday night's game and first baseman Jason Thompson, still plagued by a sore shoulder, went back on the 7-day DL. "Jason's shoulder hasn't healed and he hasn't been able to play defense," Stars manager Jerry Royster said. "He'd sit out for three days and think his shoulder was better, then pinch-hit and re-aggravate it. We need to get him healthy. Now we have that opportunity." Thompson injured the shoulder while making a game-saving diving grab in a 2-1 win over Tucson on May 15. ... Sanders (0-2, 3.90), who struck out the side in his first inning back on Wednesday night, would be pitching for the San Diego Padres right now if he hadn't strained his right quadriceps while running out a bunt in a June 20 game at New Orleans. An hour after the injury, the Padres called Royster to tell him they were recalling Sanders. Because of the injury, however, right-hander Will Cunnane went up to San Diego instead. "He was on his way to the major leagues and he still is," Royster said. "He could be here for one outing or four outings. ... He has pitched his way back into a major league situation." ... Outfielder Aaron Guiel took batting practice before Wednesday's game for the third time since his eye surgery two weeks ago. "That's the best he's looked since he's come back," Royster said. "The first two times out there he was very questionable. He's literally going to be his own eyes as far as this injury goes." Guiel, who had stigmatisms removed from both eyes, said his right eye is "close to 100% but my left eye is only about 50%. The doctor said it isn't unusual for one eye to recover slower than the other. My right eye is my dominant eye. He said it could be about a month before I'm fully recovered."

Upcoming games

The Stars continue their series with Nashville tonight with a 7:05 game at Cashman Field. Right-hander Matt Clement (8-5, 3.21) is scheduled to start for the Stars against Nashville left-hander Kevin Pickford (1-0, 1.42). Right-hander Brad Kaufman starts Friday night's series finale for the Stars against highly touted Nashville right-hander Kris Benson (6-6, 5.31), the No. 1 pick of the June 1996 amatuer baseball draft. There will be firework displays following both tonight's and Friday night's contests. Only a limited amount of tickets remain for both games.

By Steve Guiremand

Attendance

Wednesday's crowd: 3,041.

Season total: 176,406 (41 dates).

Average per date: 4,303.

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