Marlins reinstate Fairbanks from injured list

7:43 PM UTC

MIAMI – The Marlins reinstated closer 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.  

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.

Miami optioned right-hander Bradley Blalock to Triple-A Jacksonville as the corresponding roster move.