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Minnesota Twins: Phil Hughes announces retirement from MLB

By Adam Taylor McKillop

Phil Hughes of the New York Yankees looks on during player introductions before play against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Phil Hughes of the New York Yankees looks on during player introductions before play against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Phil Hughes spent 12 years in the MLB with three different teams including the Minnesota Twins.

After spending 12 combined MLB seasons with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres, former starting pitcher Phil Hughes announced his retirement from baseball on Sunday.

The 34-year-old made the announcement on Twitter. Notably, like many players before him, injuries derailed the back half of Hughes’ MLB career. He last pitched in the big leagues more than two years ago with the Padres.

"“While injuries have forced this chapter of my life to come to a close, I’m very excited to pursue other passions,” said Hughes. “As my job title shifts from baseball player to dad I’ll always feel very connected to this game and the relationships I have made.”"

Hughes began his career with the Yankees in 2007. New York drafted him 23rd overall in the 2004 MLB June Amateur Draft from his high school in California.

The Mission Viejo native spent seven years in New York, highlighted by a World Series title in 2009 and his lone All-Star Game appearance in 2010. Hughes went 18-8 in 29 starts in 2010, pitching to a 4.19 ERA and 1.248 WHIP.

Hughes left for Minnesota via free agency after the 2013 campaign, signing a $24 million, three-year contract. Both sides agreed to a lengthier contract in December 2014, valued at four years and $58 million. The 2014 campaign was another bright spot for his career after winning 16 games with a 3.52 ERA.

In June 2016, he cracked a bone in his leg after getting hit by a line drive. This was just the start of his struggles with injuries. A month later, he underwent season-ending surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition reoccured in 2017, where he missed the final 3.5 months after a second operation.

Minnesota traded Hughes to San Diego in the middle of the 2018 campaign, covering the remainder of his salary worth $14.5 million. He was designated for assignment and then released in August, marking the last MLB appearance of his career.

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Throughout his 12-year career, Hughes owned an 88-79 record with a 4.52 ERA and 1.314 WHIP.

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