Barely one day after becoming the game's most productive non-invitee, Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro was named to the American League All-Star team last night as a replacement for Boston Red Sox first baseman Mo Vaughn, who was sidelined by injury.

Palmeiro, who placed seventh in fan balloting but was named the AL Player of the Month for June, learned of the move upon arriving in New York last night. It is the third time Palmeiro, 33, has been named to the All-Star Game but his first as an Oriole. Palmeiro, batting .300 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs, is on pace for the most productive season of his career.

"I feel pretty good about it," Palmeiro said. "I wish it had been a little different. But the bottom line is they thought of me enough to put me in."

Palmeiro becomes the third Orioles All-Star, joining starters Cal Ripken and Roberto Alomar. Palmeiro also has been invited to Monday's home run hitting contest, but he said he didn't think he would participate.

Pub Date: 7/03/98