‘Living a dream’: Ex-convict Bush joins Rangers

6:21 PM ET

ARLINGTON, Texas — As he sat in a prison cell, pitcher Matt Bush, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft, wondered many times whether he’d ever get an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues.

“People used to ask me all of the time,” said Bush, “and I just didn’t know.”

Well, now he does.

Twelve years after he was drafted by his hometown San Diego Padres, Bush finally reached the majors Friday when the Texas Rangers promoted him from the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders.

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“There was a knock last night and me and my dad were confused about who was knocking on the door,” said Bush, who will wear No. 51.

“But when (Frisco pitching coach Brian Shouse) said who it was, I had a good feeling about what was going to happen. I didn’t know it was going to be the majors, but it’s extremely exciting. I just felt like jumping up and down, thinking how hard I’ve been working lately and following the course. It’s unbelievable. It’s hard to explain.”

To make room for Bush on the roster, the Rangers optioned Delino DeShields, their Opening Day center fielder, to Triple-A Round Rock. DeShields is batting .217 in 30 games this season.

The Rangers had a 40-man roster spot after trading Anthony Ranaudo to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Twelve years after being selected No. 1 overall in the MLB draft, Matt Bush has reached the major leagues following his call-up by the Rangers on Friday. Darren Carroll for ESPN

Bush joins the Rangers after serving nearly three years of a 51-month sentence for driving under …

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