Dave Bush and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a $2.55 million, one-year contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The right-hander, who made $400,000 last season, had asked for $3 million in arbitration while the Brewers offered $2.25 million. Under Tuesday night’s agreement, Bush could make an additional $50,000 if he pitches 210 innings.
Bush has been a rotation mainstay, making at least 31 starts each of the past two years with records of 12-11 and 12-10. This year, though, his ERA increased to 5.12 from 4.41 while he led the team in strikeouts (134).
Bush has a 34-36 career record with a 4.53 ERA in 103 career starts and five relief appearances over four seasons with Milwaukee and Toronto.
The only Brewers player still in arbitration is shortstop J.J. Hardy.