Bush Gets $3.15 Million

Shortstop Matt Bush, the first player selected in the first-year player draft, signed a deal with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday that includes a $3.15-million signing bonus.

“This is a great day for both the Padres and Matt Bush,” scouting director Bill Gayton said. “It’s always a goal to sign as many of your top selections as possible and now, just a day after completing the draft, we’re off to a tremendous start.”

Bush, who played at San Diego’s Mission Bay High, is only the second San Diego native to be selected by the Padres with their No. 1 pick.

Bush is expected to take batting practice with the Padres before their home game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Tuesday, then report to the Padres’ rookie-level affiliate in Peoria, Ariz., two days later.

*

St. Louis Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols ran for about 10 minutes and took part in a ground-ball drill, his first time on the field since injuring his left hamstring last weekend.

While last year’s National League batting champion is listed as day to day, it seems doubtful he’ll play until Friday, when the Cardinals go to Texas for an interleague series and Pujols can be the designated hitter.

*

The Arizona Diamondbacks put catcher Brent Mayne on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained back. Mayne was injured while unloading clothes from his suitcase.

Arizona purchased the contract of catcher Juan Brito from triple-A Tucson to replace Mayne on the roster.

*

Baltimore Oriole pitcher Kurt Ainsworth underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow and will probably be sidelined until August.