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White Sox pitching prospect Michael Ynoa was shifted to the bullpen last season while still with the A's after serving primarily as a starter in the minors, and White Sox general manager Rick Hahn sees him as a potential long-term fit as a reliever, MLB.com reports.
"He's a potential long-term fit for us," Hahn said. "We think he really took to the change in role to the bullpen. He's an interesting guy because he still has a starter's mix of pitches. He certainly seemed more comfortable, and he's been able to stay healthy."
Ynoa signed with Oakland as an international free agent at the age of 16. He missed the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and dealt with a shoulder injury in 2013 and a right biceps injury last season, in which he posted a 5.52 ERA and 64:21 K:BB ratio in 45 2/3 innings out of the bullpen with high Class A Stockton. He was then included in the offseason deal that brought Jeff Samardzija to the White Sox.
"The injuries took away some of the development time, but he has the ability, and once he is able to find that consistency in a role, he'll come quickly," Hahn said. "We haven't decided where we will start him, but it makes sense that he would be challenged at Double-A this year, and we'll see where he goes from there. He's certainly not far away once he is in Double-A."
Ynoa retired all four batters he faced in Tuesday's intrasquad game.
