The Draft: Oregon State LHP Josh Osich.

   We’ll continue our trek through the world of whom the Reds might select with the 27th overall pick in the MLB Draft June 6 by taking a look at Oregon State LHP Josh Osich.

   John Sickels of minorleagueball.com has Cincinnati drafting the Beavers southpaw in the first round.

   Osich missed all of 2010 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He came back strong this season, coming within a walk of a perfect game in no-hitting UCLA, 2-0, two weeks ago when he struck out 13.

   Osich (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) throws in the low-to-mid-90s and features an above average changeup. Reports have him hitting 98 on the radar gun. He throws a curve that at worst is a chase pitch, but just recently began using it again because of his elbow surgery. Osich was considered more of a sandwich round pick because of the uncertainty regarding his injury, but is climbing the draft board. As a red-shirt junior, he likely is more motivated to sign.

   The native of Boise, Idaho, is 6-2 with a 3.46 ERA. In 13 games and 65 IP, Osich has allowed 51 hits, struck out 69, walked 26 and allowed three home runs. Foes are batting .217. He’s thrown one complete game and one shutout.

  Known for his mental toughness and desire to learn, the big-bodied lefty likes the challenge of big games. The victory at No. 24 UCLA was big for Osich, part of a late-season push that saw him beat No. 18 Arizona and No. 17 Stanford. His previous wins were against Hartford, VMI and Cal-Santa Barbara. He also pitched well in a 2-0 loss to Washington State, but was less effective in a 6-2 loss to No. 21 California earlier this month.

   Osich, 22, was a seventh-round pick of the Angels in 2010, despite a career mark of 0-2, 4.73 in 29 games, 24 in relief. Baseball America ranks Osich the No. 40 prospect available (previously profiled Josh Stilson ranked 23rd).