Phil Hughes is a former professional baseball player who spent his career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on June 24, 1986, in Mission Viejo, California, and attended Foothill High School in Santa Ana, California.

Hughes was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 2007. He quickly became known for his impressive fastball and curveball, and was considered one of the top pitching prospects in the league.

Over the course of his career, Hughes played for several teams, including the Yankees, the Minnesota Twins, and the San Diego Padres. He was known for his consistency on the mound, and was often relied upon by his teams to pitch in high-pressure situations.

One of the highlights of Hughes' career came in 2010, when he pitched a complete game shutout against the Oakland Athletics. He finished the season with an impressive 18-8 record and a 4.19 ERA, and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Despite his success, Hughes struggled with injuries throughout his career. He underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2016, which caused him to miss most of the season. He also dealt with back and knee injuries, which limited his playing time in subsequent years.

In 2018, Hughes was released by the Twins and signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. However, he struggled in his brief stint with the team and was released again later that year.

Overall, Hughes had a successful career as a pitcher in MLB, finishing with a record of 88-79 and a 4.52 ERA. He was known for his consistency and reliability on the mound, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Despite his struggles with injuries, he remained a valuable asset to his teams throughout his career.