Dusty Hughes

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #28 prospect in 2008
  Hughes tossed a complete-game win at an NCAA Division II regional in his collegiate finale and combined on a no-hitter in his full-season debut in 2004, retiring 22 consecutive batters for Burlington. Since then he's had to battle to keep his career going. Hughes missed 2006 after undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of 2005, but he rebounded in 2007 with his best pro season. He was named Double-A Wichita's pitcher of the year and went 1-0, 2.45 in the Arizona Fall League. The Royals did not protect him on the 40-man roster, however. Hughes mixes an average 88-91 mph fastball with a plus changeup that is equally effective against lefties and righties. He's still working to establish a reliable breaking ball. Hughes may profile best as a reliever, but the Royals plan to keep him in the rotation next season, beginning in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #28 prospect in 2006
  Averaging 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings in NCAA Division II three years ago got Hughes drafted. Opening 2004 with eight no-hit innings got him noticed. But spending 2005 in High Desert's notorious Mavericks Stadium got him scared. He must locate his fastball early and down in the zone to have success, and he fell behind too often. His forte is working both sides of the plate with an 84-90 mph fastball that's average at best. When he didn't locate his pitches well--and sometimes even when he did--opponents teed off, causing Hughes to lose his confidence. An elbow sprain ended his season in mid-July, and in retrospect, it might have been just as well to get him out of High Desert. Hughes likes to work inside and throws a quick, tight cutter as his go-to pitch. He also has a changeup and relies on mixing his pitches, speeds and location. The Royals think Hughes can bounce back this year in Double-A, where his success will determine whether he has a future as a No. 5 starter or just as a lefty specialist.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #22 prospect in 2005
  Hughes ranked third among NCAA Division II pitchers with 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 2003 and enjoyed a solid pro debut. But he never drew much attention until he opened the 2004 season with eight no-hit innings for Burlington. Hughes never looked back. He commands the strike zone with pinpoint accuracy and a fearless demeanor, never walking more than three batters in any of his 26 appearances last year. Hughes throws his fastball anywhere from 84-91 mph. It appears faster than radar readings indicate because he keeps the ball behind him during his delivery, and his deception forces hitters to pick up his pitches late. He likes to vary speeds with his fastball and isn't afraid to buzz hitters inside. His low-80s slider features a late break. It's the pitch he puts hitters away with. He throws his average changeup sparingly, but uses it effectively when needed. Hughes' sustained success at both Class A levels has led the Royals to project him as a back-of-the-rotation starter rather than a set-up man. He should start 2005 in Double-A.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #28 prospect in 2004
  Area scout Mark Willoughby first spotted Ryan Bukvich at NCAA Division II Delta State, where he also found Hughes. Hughes ranked third in Division II with 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings last spring, then made the Arizona League all-star team in his pro debut. He succeeds with above-average command of two plus pitches: a 90-94 mph fastball and a low-80s slider with a hard, late break. Hughes also works with an average changeup and overmatched the AZL's young hitters with his ability to throw offspeed pitches behind in the count. He was much better out of the bullpen, posting an 0.45 ERA in relief versus a 4.40 mark in the rotation. His strong lower half and compact, stocky build are reminiscent of Mike Stanton. Hughes should move quickly through the organization, ultimately ending up as a set-up man. He'll begin 2004 in the high Class A rotation if he has a good spring.