BURLINGTON, VT - Highly touted Oakland Athletics pitching prospect Michael Ynoa has been promoted to the Vermont Lake Monsters from the Arizona Rookie League Athletics. Ynoa was signed by Oakland in 2008 at the age of 16 out of the Dominican Republic, and was given a franchise record setting $4.25 million dollar signing bonus.

Despite his promise at a young age, Ynoa, who is six foot seven inches and 210 pounds, has spent much of the last four years battling injuries, including having Tommy John surgery in 2010.



"Michael has a chance to be a very special pitcher in the major leagues," A's general manager Billy Beane said in an interview with ESPN at the time of Ynoa's signing in 2008. "Even at this early age, he is a very polished pitcher with three above-average pitches and a fluid delivery. We are very excited about this young man's potential and look forward to watching his growth, both personally and professionally, in the years to come."



Ynoa was at one point regarded by some scouts and A's personnel as the best prospect to come out of Latin America since Seattle's Felix Hernandez. Citing past success in developing young pitchers, Ynoa passed up offers from the New York Yankees, among several other teams, to sign with Oakland.



Due to his history of injuries, Ynoa has never has never pitched above rookie ball. He is scheduled to make his Vermont Wednesda when the Lake Monsters return home to historic Centennial Field to take on Mahoning Valley.



In a separate roster moves, Oakland recently also promoted former Lake Monster Logan Chitwood to Single-A Burlington Iowa and sent outfielder Dayton Alexander to the Arizona League Athletics.

