Rays release Matt Bush

The Rays have released former 1st round pick Matt Bush. Bush is still incarcerated following a DUI charge during Spring Training. He has been on the restricted list for the entire season.

Bush posted a 4.83 ERA with 13.8 K/9 in 50 1/3 relief innings at Double-A this season. San Diego originally drafted him as a shortstop with the #1 overall pick in 2004, but several issues, both on and off the field halted his development.

Analysis: Well this isn't surprising at all. Bush has been a major bust ever since being drafted eight years ago. He simply cannot stay out of trouble, and the Padres made a huge mistake when they drafted him. As a pitcher, his stats aren't TERRIBLE. The ERA is pretty bad, but 13.8 K/9 is a good number. Assuming that he still wants to play, I would sign him to a minor league deal as a reclamation project. However, don't expect him to ever live up to his hype.