Pete Fairbanks
Breakdown
Performance
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May 13, 2026
Returns from stint on IL
The Marlins reinstated Fairbanks (hand) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.
Analysis
Fairbanks wound up missing the minimum amount of time after the Marlins placed him on the IL on April 28 due to nerve irritation in his right hand. Though a similar issue caused him to miss about three weeks while he was a member of the Rays in 2024, Fairbanks was cleared to throw a bullpen session about a week after landing on the shelf and checked out fine after facing hitters in live batting practice over the weekend. The right-hander is expected to immediately step back in as the Marlins' preferred option at closer after he converted five of his six chances prior to landing on the IL.
May 10, 2026
Expected to be activated Wednesday
Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that he expects Fairbanks (hand) to return from the 15-day injured list Wednesday when first eligible, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
After checking out fine after throwing a live batting practice session Saturday, Fairbanks has been cleared to join the Marlins for the start of their six-game road trip and should be ready to go for the second game of the club's series in Minnesota. Before hitting the shelf April 28 after experiencing nerve irritation in his right hand, Fairbanks had notched five saves in six chances but had posted a 10.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in nine innings over 10 appearances. Fairbanks' underlying numbers (3.48 xERA, 22.0 K-BB%) were more encouraging, however, and he should immediately step back in as Miami's preferred closing option, as none of the Marlins' other relievers have seized control of the ninth inning while he's been on the shelf.
May 9, 2026
Slated for live BP on Sunday
Fairbanks (hand) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Sunday and will then travel with the Marlins for the team's road series in Minnesota, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Fairbanks landed on the IL on April 28 due to nerve irritation in his right hand, but he tossed two bullpen sessions this week and is now lined up to throw to hitters. The veteran reliever is eligible to be activated May 13, and it sounds like he could be back in action that day. Fairbanks will likely reclaim the team's closer role upon his return. Calvin Faucher and Tyler Phillips have notched one save apiece during Fairbanks' absence.