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Out of prison, ex-Rays minor-leaguer Matt Bush joins Texas Rangers bullpen (w/ video)

 
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Bush during a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, March 8, 2012. AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Bush during a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, March 8, 2012. AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Published May 14, 2016

ARLINGTON, Texas — When Matt Bush was released from prison in October after a 31/2-year sentence for a drunk-driving accident, the former No. 1 overall draft pick was sober and hoping for another chance to play baseball.

After 12 relief appearances for the Rangers' Double-A team, the former Rays minor-leaguer made it to the majors for the first time Friday for Texas.

"Just thinking how hard I've been working lately, and just following the course, all together, it's unbelievable," Bush, 30, said. "It's hard to explain."

In March 2012— when he was in spring training camp with the Rays — Bush was driving a car that struck and seriously injured a 72-year-old man on a motorcycle. Bush, accused of DUI and leaving the scene, went to prison after pleading no contest. He said the victim, Tony Tufano, has since expressed forgiveness.