Phelps attended Santa Barbara High School and played collegiate baseball for the Stanford Cardinal and spent three years with them.

[1] Phelps began his professional career with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for 25 games in 2008, then spent the 2009 season with the Kinston Indians.

[3] On June 19, Phelps hit his first career major league home run, a walk-off in the 11th inning against Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Tim Wood.

[5] Phelps was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on November 25, 2013, as part of their attempt to replace Brian Roberts and give themselves depth in the infield.

[7] On August 24, 2014, after playing in three games for the Orioles, they designated Phelps for assignment, and he returned to Norfolk, where he had spent the 2014 season.