Roskos’ visit to ‘the Show’ ends with an early curtain

Steve Guiremand

Monday, July 3, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

A weekend in San Diego is not a bad way to beat the Las Vegas heat this time of year. But John Roskos was hoping he would get to spend a lot more of the summer enjoying the sea breezes of the Pacific Ocean.

Roskos, recalled by the Padres on Friday to fill the roster spot of Ed Sprague (who was traded to the Boston Red Sox for a pair of minor leaguers), was optioned back to Las Vegas on Sunday morning.

The power-hitting Roskos, who ranks second in the Pacific Coast League with a .360 average, was demoted to make room for pitcher Woody Williams, who came off the disabled list to start San Diego's 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon.

It was the third time this season Roskos was summoned by the Padres to the big leagues but by far his shortest stint. He never got to take an at-bat this time around. He was hitting just .040 (1-for-25) after his two previous trips.

In making the move, the Padres decided to stick with 12 pitchers. That meant the club had to cut an extra outfielder with ex-Star Dusty Allen getting the nod to stay in the big leagues over Roskos.

Roskos, selected to play in the triple-A All Star game on July 12 in Rochester, N.Y., will likely join the Stars on Tuesday in Fresno.

Newhan needed three butterfly stitches and 15 staples to close the gash, which was caused by a rough, exposed edge of the plate.

"I've just got to test sliding on it," Newhan said. "Everything else is okay. I think I'll probably be back playing at Fresno."

Although the announced paid crowd for Sunday's game was 2,535, there were closer to 150 fans in the stands for the first pitch at 4:07 p.m. when the temperature was a sizzling 102 degrees.

One plus for those who braved the extra hot temperatures is that the folks at Cashman Field finally figured a way to turn on the misting cooling system.

"I haven't talked to him," Franklin said. "He has 72 hours to report, so I expect him here (tonight). When I see the whites of his eyes, I'll put him on the (lineup) card."

Designated hitter Mario Valdez hit a three-run double in the top of the ninth off Las Vegas reliever Brandon Kolb to seal the win for the Buzz (52-32). Valdez also walked three times and has reached base during seven straight at-bats entering tonight's series finale.

Red-hot Mike Darr extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a double and single in four at-bats.

Las Vegas (46-35) fell into second place in the PCL's South Division, one game behind Sacramento.