Young started 17 games for the Oakland Athletics in 1984 after his recall from Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League, then was hampered by tendinitis most of 1985. He joined Oakland's starting rotation for good in 1986, finishing 13-9, 3.45, and tossing a one-hitter against the Royals on the final day of the season.

Young pitched a second one-hitter June 9, 1987 against the Chicago White Sox on his way to another 13-win season, and in 1988 he was 11-8 as the fourth starter for the AL champion A's. He did not start a game in the postseason, but was unscored upon in two relief appearances. He remained in the Oakland rotation in 1989 and '90, but struggled and was moved to the bullpen in 1991. (SCL/GL)