Rangers promote Matt Bush to majors

The Rangers will promote reliever Matt Bush to the majors Friday, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Bush's promotion is the second significant move of the day for the Rangers, who also added Kyle Lohse on a minor-league deal.

Bush, 30, will make his major-league debut after taking an uncommon and difficult journey since being drafted as the first overall pick by the Padres in 2004. The former shortstop struggled in the minors before being converted to pitching after the 2007 season, and then missed the entire 2008 season due to Tommy John surgery. Legal troubles, including three DUI convictions in 10 years, led to Bush being imprisoned for more than three years before being released in October.

Bush, who has been known to hit 100 mph as a pitcher, impressed the Rangers in spring training, and he has posted a 2.65 ERA in 12 relief appearances for Double-A Frisco so far this season. Many thought he would see the majors at some point this season, though the timing of the promotion has caught some by surprise.

For more context on Bush, check out Mike Bates' column from December.