$35,000 bail set for ex-Rangers pitcher with substance abuse past arrested for allegedly fleeing accident scene

The career of pitcher Matt Bush has, unfortunately, been punctuated by more than his fair share of missteps and indiscretions. Over the weekend, the disgraced former arm sank to a new low.

On Friday night, the 38-year-old Bush was pulled over by police in Arlington, Texas for erratic driving. Instead of waiting for the officer to come to his window, Bush fled in his Lincoln Aviator moments before colliding with another vehicle, identified as a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado.

"Matt Bush former Texas pitcher arrested after he was involved in a police chase, DWI" - BigmanshaneNews

When the police were finally able to isolate Bush, the former pitcher was slurring his words and refused to take a sobriety test. Reports indicate that Bush's blood alcohol level was 0.18 at the time of apprehension. Bail has been set at $35,000 as Bush waits at the Arlington Detention Center.

Unfortunately for Matt Bush, his issues with alcohol abuse date back two decades. The first overall pick of the 2004 draft by the San Diego Padres, the California-born Bush was arrested weeks after being drafted for felony assault, misdemeanor trespass, disorderly conduct, and underage drinking. This was followed by another drunken assault in 2009.

On account of his antics, Bush was traded by the Padres to the Toronto Blue Jays and Rays, where his substance abuse persisted. In 2016, after spending several months in prison for a 2015 outburst, Bush finally made his MLB debut for the Texas Rangers.

"Matt Bush: -Got picked up by the Rangers in late September -Never pitched, but made made the playoff roster -Stayed on the playoff roster each round but still never pitched. World Series champion." - Talkin' Baseball

In 2023, Bush won the World Series with the Texas Rangers, despite not pitching in the postseason. Bush was released after the end of the season and has remained a free agent since.

Matt Bush has only himself to blame for wasted career

A true talent in his youth, Bush squandered much of his MLB exposure before he even stepped onto the field. As was reported by NBC5 based in Dallas-Fort Worth:

"In a new release, the police department said that due to Bush's behavior and statements, they suspected Bush was intoxicated. He reportedly refused a roadside sobriety test, and a warrant was issued for a blood sample, which is being processed as of Sunday."

Truly a pathetic tale, all fans can do now is hope that Matt Bush can get the help that he needs.