Michael Wallace was drafted in June 1986 out of Florida State University and made the jump from college to the big leagues in less than two months.

At Florida State he tied an NCAA record by winning 20 games during the '86 season and was largely responsible for their trip to the College World Series.

Like the much heralded David Clyde in 1973, Loynd was expected to contribute immediately upon being called to the Majors, as the Rangers were involved in a close pennant race, and manager Bobby Valentine was strapped for pitching.

After his next three starts resulted in no decisions, Loynd was back in the win column again on August 14, 1986, after defeating Teddy Higuera and the Milwaukee Brewers 8–2.

Rangers' manager Bobby Valentine began to use him more selectively, but yet he struggled greatly and for the year ended with 2 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA of 5.36.

After Tony Fernández connected off him for a home run that pushed the score to 7–0, Loynd vented his anger by hitting the next batter, Lloyd Moseby, with a pitch.