Ron Washington announced Sunday that former Brewer Dave Bush has made his club as a long reliever. Bush signed with the Rangers on a nonroster deal over the winter, but will be added to the major league roster by Wednesday night. He had two major advantages working for him: Washington likes veterans and he has worked previously with pitching coach Mike Maddux.
The decision narrows the number of bullpen openings to two and takes Bush out of the running for the fifth starter spot. Alexi Ogando is now regarded by the media as the favorite for that spot, with Michael Kirkman, Eric Hurley and Brett Tomko as alternatives.
In the bullpen, Neftali Feliz, Arthur Rhodes, Darren Oliver, Darren O’Day and now Bush have locked up jobs. Ogando will slide back to the pen if he doesn’t get the starting job. Kirkman and Tomko are also candidates, along with Pedro Strop, Mark Lowe and Rule 5 selection Mason Tobin.