Marlins reinstate Fairbanks from injured list
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MIAMI – The Marlins reinstated closer Pete Fairbanks from the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Mets at loanDepot park.
Fairbanks had been sidelined since Aug. 25 due to right median nerve irritation, which he began to experience during an outing the night before.
It marked the second time this season nerve irritation forced Fairbanks to leave the mound early, with the issue also arising on April 28 at Dodger Stadium.
"Throw the ball over the plate and keep feeling in my hand from a personal note," Fairbanks said. "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."
Unlike the first time, Fairbanks had said he felt the numbness not just in his fingers but throughout his whole arm. Fairbanks would go on to visit a specialist in Pensacola, Fla., for treatment. As part of his rehab, he threw a live bullpen on Saturday and another bullpen-like session on Monday.
Fairbanks, whom the Marlins signed to a one-year, $13 million contract last December, has had a disappointing season for the Marlins. His 6.02 ERA is the highest of his career in a full season, while his 44 outings are the fewest he has thrown since 2022.
Prior to this latest setback, however, Fairbanks had allowed just one run on two hits with four walks and 16 strikeouts over his last 10 outings. He had also gone 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. 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."
Miami optioned right-hander Bradley Blalock to Triple-A Jacksonville as the corresponding roster move.