MLB Draft 2019: Cincinnati Reds make first pick

>>RELATED: Reds have top 10 pick for 4th straight season

In a statement released by the team, Reds president of baseball operations praised Lodolo’s durability and mix of pitches.

"He was a first round pick out of high school who has only gotten better with three years of college experience,” Williams said. “Playing in a top conference, we believe he was one of the top college pitchers available in this year’s draft and we're thrilled to add him to our organization."

He was a first-team All-Big 12 pick this year after striking out 131 with a 2.36 ERA in 103 innings for the Horned Frogs.

The Pirates chose Lodolo out of Damian High School in California in 2016 but he chose not to sign. The 41st overall pick, he was the highest not to sign that year.

He is the first college pitcher drafted by the Reds since Nick Howard of Virginia in 2014.

Two years ago they picked high schooler Hunter Greene, a right-handed pitching prospect and shortstop, from California. He is the only pitcher they had drafted in the first round since Howard.

In 2015, they chose high school catcher Tyler Stephenson.

In 2016, they chose University of Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel and high school outfielder Taylor Trammell while high school shortstop Jeter Downs was their second pick in the first round in ’17 and University of Florida third baseman Jonathan India was their top pick last year.

Of that group, Senzel is the only one to make the majors so far.

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The last left-handed pitcher drafted by the Reds in the first round was Kentucky high school pitcher Jeremy Sowers in 2001. He chose to go to Vanderbilt instead of sign with the Reds and later was drafted by and made the majors with the Indians.