Fairbanks (nerve irritation) exits save situation in second game back from IL

PHOENIX – On a day that began with the news that the Marlins would not get back All-Star starter Max Meyer down the stretch, things took an even worse turn as closer Pete Fairbanks walked off the mound in a ninth-inning save situation during Monday’s 8-7 loss to the D-backs at Chase Field.

Fairbanks landed the first pitch of his outing – a slider – for a called strike before missing badly on his next five offerings. He was visibly frustrated after his final pitch, flexing his right hand before exiting after a brief conference at the mound involving catcher Joe Mack, manager Clayton McCullough and the training staff.

Fairbanks was making just his second appearance back off the injured list following a stint due to right median nerve irritation. He also missed time earlier in the season with the same ailment.

Overall, it’s been a rocky year for Fairbanks, who inked a one-year, $13 million deal during the offseason to anchor the back of the bullpen. He entered the night with a 6.10 ERA, on pace to be the highest of his big league career since posting a 6.86 ERA across 21 innings in 2019.