MIAMI — Jeb Bush says he is optimistic he can close a deal to buy the Miami Marlins, with his partner Derek Jeter taking charge of baseball operations.

“Given the interest we have inside Miami and among people that are potential partners, I’m really excited about it,” Bush said, speaking publicly for the first time about his efforts to purchase the team from Jeffrey Loria.

The former Florida governor, who lives in Miami, made his comments Tuesday during a discussion at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

Jeter and Bush were part of rival efforts to buy the Marlins before joining forces. Jeter was a 14-time All-Star shortstop who retired in 2014 after 20 seasons with the Yankees.

Bush and Jeter lead one of multiple groups that have submitted bids for the Marlins. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week none had yet been accepted.

RAYS: Tampa Bay activated left fielder Colby Rasmus from the DL following his recovery from hip surgery, and outfielder Shane Peterson was designated for assignment.

NATIONALS: Washington optioned Joe Ross to Syracuse after he struggled in three starts and recalled A.J. Cole.

YANKEES: Slumping first baseman Greg Bird was placed on the 10-day disabled list because of a bruised right ankle.

Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury also was out of the lineup with an injury to his left elbow. Manager Joe Girardi says the team will wait a couple of days before making a decision about whether Ellsbury needs to go on the DL.

Sam Mele, a former big league outfielder who later managed the Minnesota Twins to a team-record 102 wins in a season, has died at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was 95.

Mele made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 1947 and, after he was done managing, worked 25 years for them as a scout and in other roles.