Lincoln Saltdogs INF/OF Dustin Yount was tabbed on Monday to represent Lincoln in the 2008 American Association All-Star Game. Yount, the only member of the Saltdogs to make the team, will start at first base for the North Division squad.

“It’s a well-deserved honor,” said Lincoln manager Tim Johnson. “Dustin has done nothing but work hard and put up numbers for us all season long. He’s a professional hitter with a great eye at the plate, and he’s been our most consistent run-producer.”

So far this season, Yount is hitting .297 with seven home runs and 40 RBI. He ranks fifth in the American Association in runs batted in, and second on the Saltdogs in home runs. Dustin also leads the team in walks, and is second on the squad in runs scored and slugging percentage.

Even though he’ll be the starting first baseman for the North, Yount has actually spent the past week in the outfield for Lincoln. Dustin has played in 38 games at first base this season and four more as a designated hitter, but has been the Saltdogs’ starting left fielder for the past seven games.

“That’s the other great thing about Dustin,” Johnson said. “He’s been a great first baseman for us, but we needed help in another area, and he’s really thrown himself into the work of becoming a solid left fielder. He’s been a great example for the younger players on this team. I wish a few more of our guys had made the All-Star team—you know, Eduardo Rios and Mario Delgado are having great seasons, and Anthony Contreras I think would have made it if the Padres hadn’t bought his contract—but Dustin will do a great job in representing our ballclub.”

The 2008 American Association All-Star Game takes place on July 22, at Midway Stadium in St. Paul.