Day 13: Phil Hughes

Age: 24 Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6'5" Weight: 240

Phil Hughes was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2004 MLB June Amateur Draft. Hughes played for the Tampa Yankees in 2005 and 2006 and for one game in 2007. Hughes went through every minor league level in 2007 and made his Major League debut in April of the same year with the New York Yankees and appeared in 13 games.

During the 2005 season with the Tampa Yankees, Hughes played in five games and pitched a total of 17 and two third innings. He had a 2-0 record and a 3.06 ERA. He gave up eight hits and six earned runs, while walking only four batters. In 2006, Hughes started the season with the T-Yanks for five games before being promoted to Double-A. He recorded a 2-3 win-loss record, and an ERA of 1.80. He pitched 30 innings and gave up 19 hits and 7 runs (6 earned).

In 2007, Hughes saved one game for Tampa in two innings, and climbed the ladder through Double-A and Triple-A to get to the big leagues. He played in 13 games and totaled 72 and two third innings as a member of their starting rotation. He posted a 5-3 record and a 4.46 ERA. Hughes started 8 games for the Yankees in 2008 and moved to the bullpen for the majority of the 2009 season. In 2010 Hughes became a member of the starting rotation again and had his best year in the Majors. In 176 and one third innings, he recorded an 18-8 win-loss record, struck out 146 batters, and posted a 4.19 ERA

Hughes is working hard this spring, as he bids to lock up the number two spot in the rotation behind C.C. Sabathia.