Bush to the Jays

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres announced today that they have acquired a player to be named later or cash considerations from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Matt Bush.  Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.

      Additionally, Director of International Scouting/Major League Scout Randy Smith announced that the club has hired former Padre John Vander Wal as a professional scout.       Bush, 23, did not play in 2008 after undergoing reconstructive surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (Tommy John surgery) in August of 2007 and was designated for assignment by the Padres on February 5.  A native of San Diego, Bush was selected by the Padres first overall in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.  He began his minor league career as a shortstop, batting .219 (158-for-722) with 22 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 70 RBI, 86 runs scored, 71 walks and 15 stolen bases in 206 games over parts of four seasons (2004-07) at the Rookie, Short-A and Single-A levels.  Converted to pitcher during the 2007 campaign, Bush went 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA (1 ER/7.2 IP), 16 strikeouts and two walks in seven relief appearances between Rookie-level Peoria and Single-A Fort Wayne.