Reds get college righty Mitchell in 13th round

Evan Mitchell became the third pitcher selected out of Mississippi State in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft when the Reds took the right-hander in the 13th round on Saturday.

Mitchell was a starter and also threw out of the bullpen during his three years with the Bulldogs, starting seven of his nine appearances as a junior this past season. In those nine outings, Mitchell went 0-1 with a 3.74 ERA, allowing eight hits in 21 2/3 innings.

Command issues limited the 21-year-old this season, as he walked 26 batters and hit another five while striking out 27.

"He has some outstanding stuff," said Chris Buckley, Reds senior director of amateur scouting. "I think there was maybe some impatience on the Mississippi State people because of the walks. But we're hoping in a less stressful environment, he can learn to handle his command a little bitter."

Mitchell has a pitcher's frame at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, and he utilizes a fastball that can touch the mid-90's to go along with a solid slider and curveball.

With that arsenal, Buckley said the Reds are willing to take their time with Mitchell.

"One thing we always remember in professional baseball is we have more patience," Buckley said. "College baseball today, especially at the Division 1 level, they're trying so hard to win, where we're more involved in developing players and making sure they get to the big leagues. Sometimes, we have more patience than your college guys do."