MIAMI — The Marlins reinstated closer Pete Fairbanks from the injured list Tuesday after right median nerve irritation sidelined him for the second time this season, a recurring issue that has clouded a disappointing campaign for the $13 million reliever.
Fairbanks had been out since Aug. 25, when numbness spread not just through his fingers but throughout his entire arm — a more severe episode than the first occurrence April 28 at Dodger Stadium. He visited a specialist in Pensacola, Fla., for treatment and threw a live bullpen Saturday followed by another bullpen-like session Monday before being cleared.
“Throw the ball over the plate and keep feeling in my hand from a personal note,” Fairbanks said of his goals. “On a more macro note, I’ll let you guys get caught up in the stuff that you guys are supposed to be caught up in, and try and keep everybody here grounded.”
Fairbanks, whom Miami signed to a one-year, $13 million contract last December, has posted a career-worst 6.02 ERA in a full season, and his 44 outings are his fewest since 2022. But before the latest setback, he had allowed just one run on two hits with four walks and 16 strikeouts over his last 10 outings and converted 5-for-6 in save chances.
“I hope Pete can kind of pick up where he left off,” manager Clayton McCullough said. “He’d gotten himself on a good run, and unfortunately, had to have a little bit more time down. Hopefully we get Pete back out there and get some opportunities for him to finish games here for us.”
McCullough said there would be no easing Fairbanks back in. “He feels good right now physically. He feels great. It’ll be no hesitation in putting Pete right back out there, hopefully tonight, in a really tight spot late in the game,” McCullough said.
Miami optioned right-hander Bradley Blalock to Triple-A Jacksonville as the corresponding roster move.