Josh Osich

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Josh Osich

|image = Josh Osich in 2019.jpg

|image_size = 250

|caption = Osich with the Chicago White Sox in 2019

|team =

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|9|3}}

|birth_place = Boise, Idaho, U.S.

|bats = Left

|throws = Left

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = July 3

|debutyear = 2015

|debutteam = San Francisco Giants

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate = July 26

|finalyear = 2021

|finalteam = Cincinnati Reds

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record|

|stat1value = 13–6

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.02

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 199

|teams =

San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2018}})
Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2019}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2020}})
Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2020}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2021}})

}}

Joshua Michael Osich (born September 3, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2015 and also played for the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs. He is one of the only players in MLB history who is of Basque descent.

College career

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Osich graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in 2007.{{cite news |url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/07/03/3880910_bishop-kelly-graduate-josh-osich.html?rh=1 |title=Bishop Kelly graduate Josh Osich makes MLB debut |date=July 3, 2015 |work=Idaho Statesman}} He played college baseball at Oregon State University in Corvallis, but missed the 2010 season, recovering from Tommy John surgery.{{cite news |url=https://insider.espn.com/blog/mlb-draft/insider/post?id=381 |title=Beavers' Osich undergoes Tommy John surgery |date=January 24, 2010 |first=Jason |last=Churchill |work=ESPN.com}} Despite the injury, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the seventh round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite news |url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindbeaversbeat/2010/06/mlb_draft_2010_oregon_state_pi_3.html |title=MLB Draft 2010: Oregon State pitcher Josh Osich picked by Los Angeles Angels |date=June 8, 2010 |work=The Oregonian}} Osich did not sign and returned to Oregon State and in his final collegiate season in 2011, he threw a no-hitter against UCLA.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/04/oregon_states_josh_osich_throw.html |title=Oregon State's Josh Osich throws no-hitter as No. 3 Beavers beat No. 24 UCLA 2-0 on road |date=April 30, 2011 |first=Lindsay |last=Schnell |work=The Oregonian}}

Professional career

=San Francisco Giants (2011–2018)=

Osich was then taken by the San Francisco Giants in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft and signed.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/mlb/index.ssf/2011/06/mlb_draft_oregon_state_pitcher_1.html |title=MLB draft: Oregon State pitcher Josh Osich selected in Round 6 by San Francisco |date=June 7, 2011 |first=Aaron |last=Fentress |work=The Oregonian}} He made his professional debut in 2012 with the High-A San Jose Giants, registering a 3.62 ERA with 34 strikeouts across 27 appearances.{{Cite web|title=Josh Osich - Baseball Statistics|url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/145036/|access-date=March 2, 2025|website=thebaseballcube.com|language=en}} Osich split the 2013 season between San Jose and the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels. In 56 appearances out of the bullpen, he accumulated a 5-4 record and 3.47 ERA with 76 strikeouts over 70 innings of work.{{Cite web|title=Josh Osich Stats & Scouting Report|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/5257-josh-osich/stats/|access-date=March 2, 2025|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}} Osich returned to Richmond for the 2014 campaign, recording a 3.78 ERA with 27 strikeouts across {{fraction|33|1|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web|title=Josh Osich - Stats - Pitching|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/josh-osich/11528/stats?position=P|access-date=March 2, 2025|website=fangraphs.com|language=en}}

Osich began the 2015 season with Richmond, and received a promotion to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in June. In 37 appearances split between the two affiliates, he registered a cumulative 1.32 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 21 saves across 41 innings of work.{{Cite web|title=All America: Josh Osich|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-137576528|access-date=March 2, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}

Osich was called up to the majors for the first time on July 3, 2015, pitching one scoreless inning of relief against the Washington Nationals.{{cite news |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2015/07/03/josh-osich-considered-quitting-ryan-lollis-never-did-and-now-both-are-big-leaguers-for-giants/ |title=Josh Osich considered quitting, Ryan Lollis never did and now both are big leaguers for Giants |date=July 3, 2015 |first=Andrew |last=Baggarly |work=San Jose Mercury News}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/ostler/article/Giants-reliever-Osich-thriving-since-his-call-up-6374261.php |title=Giants reliever Josh Osich thriving since his call-up |first=Scott |last=Ostler |date=July 8, 2015 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} On July 11, Osich earned his first major league win in his fifth relief appearance, pitching {{1/3}} of an inning against the Philadelphia Phillies.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-pound-out-15-hits-beat-Phils-again-6379989.php |title=Giants pound out 15 hits, beat Phils again |date=July 11, 2015 |first=Steve |last=Kroner |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} Osich didn't allow a hit until his eighth major league appearance. Osich was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on July 22.{{cite news |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2015/07/22/giants-notes-affeldt-activated-and-osich-optioned-but-a-new-era-is-rising-in-the-bullpen/ |title=Giants notes: Affeldt activated and Osich optioned, but a new era is rising in the bullpen |date=July 22, 2015 |first=Andrew |last=Baggarly |work=San Jose Mercury News}} Osich was recalled to the Giants on August 7, when pitcher Mike Leake was put on the disabled list.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-Splash-Mike-Leake-to-DL-Bruce-Bochy-6431536.php |title=Giants Splash: Mike Leake to DL — Bruce Bochy hoping for 'nine completely healthy starts' |first=John |last=Shea |date=August 7, 2015 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mlb/san-francisco-giants/article31229111.html |title=Bochy says Giants have 'tough decisions' looming for pitching staff |first=Matt |last=Kawahara |date=August 15, 2015 |work=The Sacramento Bee}}{{cite news |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2015/08/21/the-future-of-josh-osich-is-now-it-looks-like-the-giants-will-survive-this-trip-more-odds-and-ends/ |title=The future of Josh Osich is now, it looks like the Giants will survive this trip, more odds and ends |first=Carl |last=Steward |date=August 21, 2015 |work=San Jose Mercury News}} In 2015, Osich appeared in 35 games, recording a 2.20 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 28{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.

In 2016, Osich was named to the Opening Day Major League roster for the Giants.{{cite press release|title=Giants set 2016 Opening Day roster|url=http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/170247626|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407184706/http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/170247626|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 2, 2016|work=MLB.com}} On July 28, Osich was placed on disabled list.{{cite web|last1=Shea|first1=John|title=Giants moves: Joe Panik called up, Josh Osich to DL|url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-moves-Joe-Panik-called-up-Josh-Osich-to-8533334.php|publisher=SF Gate|access-date=July 28, 2016}} He finished the season appearing in 59 games, posting an ERA of 4.71 in {{frac|36|1|3}} innings. Osich posted an ERA of 6.23 in 54 games in 2017, with 43 strikeouts in {{Frac|43|1|3}} innings. Osich began the 2018 season in the bullpen before being placed on the disabled list on April 20.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-josh-osich-lands-on-disabled-list/| title = Giants' Josh Osich: Lands on disabled list - CBSSports.com| date = April 27, 2018}} He was sent to the minors on May 25.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-josh-osich-returns-to-minors/| title = Giants' Josh Osich: Returns to minors - CBSSports.com| date = May 25, 2018}} Osich ended the season having appeared in 12 games, with an 8.25 ERA.{{cite web| url = http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/32665/josh-osich| title = Josh Osich Stats {{!}} ESPN}} Osich was designated for assignment on February 12, 2019, following the acquisition of Jose Lopez.{{cite web |url=http://m.giants.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221031106/http://m.giants.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/02 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |title=Giants Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=February 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019}}

=Chicago White Sox (2019)=

On February 19, 2019, Osich was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|last1=Trezza|first1=Joe|title=Mountcastle tries 1B as O's preach versatility|url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/ryan-mountcastle-plays-1b-at-orioles-camp/c-304157854|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB|date=February 19, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2019}} He was designated for assignment on March 8, following the acquisition of Dwight Smith Jr.{{Cite web|title=Orioles Acquire Dwight Smith, Designate Josh Osich|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/03/orioles-acquire-dwight-smith-designate-josh-osich.html|access-date=January 28, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 8, 2019 |language=en}}

On March 11, 2019, Osich was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|last1=Duber|first1=Vinnie|title=White Sox add bullpen option Josh Osich as Michael Kopech officially goes on 60-day DL|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/white-sox-add-bullpen-option-josh-osich-michael-kopech-officially-goes-60-day-dl|website=NBCSports.com|publisher=NBC Sports|date=March 11, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019}} Osich appeared in 57 games (all in relief) with the 2019 White Sox, recording a 4–0 record with a 4.66 ERA while striking out 61 batters in {{frac|67|2|3}} innings pitched.

=Boston Red Sox (2020)=

On October 31, 2019, Osich was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2019/10 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=October 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}} He was non-tendered on December 2, 2019, and became a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2019/12/marco-hernandez-not-among-27-red-sox-players-to-be-tendered-2020-contracts/|title=Marco Hernandez Not Among 27 Red Sox Players To Be Tendered 2020 Contracts|author=Lauren Campbell|date=December 2, 2019|website=NESN|access-date=December 2, 2019}} On December 4, Osich re-signed with Boston on a one-year major league contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-sign-marco-hernandez-josh-osich|title=Red Sox re-sign Hernández, Osich after non-tenders|website=MLB.com|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=December 4, 2019}} He made his debut for the Red Sox in the team's second game of the delayed-start 2020 season, pitching a scoreless inning in relief on July 25.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401225689 |title=Orioles vs. Red Sox |website=ESPN.com |date=July 25, 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2020}} With the 2020 Red Sox, Osich compiled a 1–1 record in 13 appearances totaling {{frac|15|2|3}} innings pitched with a 5.74 ERA.

=Chicago Cubs (2020)=

On August 31, 2020, Osich was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Zach Bryant.{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29780646/cubs-add-bullpen-acquire-left-handed-reliever-andrew-chafin-diamondbacks-reports-say| title = Trying to 'address things we haven't done particularly well,' Cubs GM Jed Hoyer adds lefty relievers, righty hitters at deadline| date = 31 August 2020}} With the 2020 Chicago Cubs, Osich appeared in 4 games, struggling to a 10.13 ERA and 4 strikeouts in {{fraction|2|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlb.com/player/josh-osich-592612?stats=career-r-pitching-mlb&year=2020| title = Josh Osich Stats, Fantasy & News {{!}} MLB.com| website = MLB.com}} On September 30, Osich was designated for assignment by the Cubs shortly before their Wild Card matchup against the Miami Marlins.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/cubs-select-josh-phegley-dfa-josh-osich.html| title = Cubs Select Josh Phegley, Designate Josh Osich - MLB Trade Rumors| date = September 30, 2020}}

=Cincinnati Reds (2021)=

On December 21, 2020, Osich signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/reds-sign-josh-osich-matt-ball-to-minor-league-deals.html| title = Reds Sign Josh Osich, Matt Ball To Minor League Deals - MLB Trade Rumors| date = December 21, 2020}} On June 19, 2021, Osich was selected to the active roster.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/reds-move-mike-moustakas-to-60-day-il-select-josh-osich.html| title = Reds Move Mike Moustakas To 60-Day IL, Select Josh Osich - MLB Trade Rumors| date = June 19, 2021}} In 17 appearances for the Reds, Osich posted a 5.02 ERA with 9 strikeouts. On July 11, Osich recorded his only MLB save by pitching the final inning of a 3-1 Reds victory over the Brewers.{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL202107110.shtml | title=Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers Box Score, July 11, 2021 }} On July 28, Osich was designated for assignment by the Reds.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/reds-designate-josh-osich-for-assignment.html| title = Reds Designate Josh Osich For Assignment - MLB Trade Rumors| date = July 28, 2021}} He elected free agency on July 30.

On May 16, 2022, Osich announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram.{{Cite web|title=This Day In Sports: An Osich anniversary, and a Stefanic update|url=https://www.ktvb.com/amp/article/opinion/columnists/scott-slant/july-11-this-day-in-sports-josh-osich-michael-stefanic-boise-major-league-baseball/277-c3eb81de-a258-4f40-bbf0-40d6458ac14f|access-date=2023-01-15|website=ktvb.com|date=July 11, 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite Instagram |user=josich22 |last=Osich |first=Josh |author-link=Josh Osich |postid=Cdo35kdu4oO |title=I just want to thank all my family, friends, teammates, and fans for all the support through the years. |date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 15, 2024}}