Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) goes on IL

Fairbanks landed on the injured list earlier in the week due to right median nerve irritation and now we know what was really going on. It’s a brutal blow for the impending free agent as he’s going to require a lengthy require and won’t be ready for the start of the 2027 season.

It feels like a virtual lock that Fairbanks is done for the rest of the season with less than two weeks remaining on the calendar. He appeared visibly frustrated when he was forced to depart Monday’s save chance against the Diamondbacks due to a recurring nerve issue. The 32-year-old impending free agent finishes with a calamitous 6.31 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 57/21 K/BB ratio across 41 1/3 innings over 46 appearances. He converted 19 of 23 saves during his Marlins debut. His absence opens the door for either Calvin Faucher or Michael Petersen to finish the year as Miami’s closer, although a committee approach seems like the most logical outcome.

It seemed like it might be a recurrence of his nerve problems with his hand. Fairbanks walked the only batter he faced before departing with a 7-6 lead in the ninth. Jack Ralston replaced him and ended up taking a blown save and a loss. If Fairbanks returns to the IL, Calvin Faucher will be the favorite for saves in the Marlins pen the rest of the way.

Fairbanks was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Dodgers with a two-run lead. He gave up a run on a walk and a base hit before recording the final out to secure the win with his 19th save.

Fairbanks, who missed the minimum 15 days with his latest recurrence of his hand issues, returns without the benefit of a rehab assignment. He’ll probably go right back to closing for the Marlins. Calvin Faucher picked up the team’s only save while he was out.

It’s almost impossible to have a less stressful ninth inning than the one Faucher pitched here. It took him just six pitches to force three ground balls and close this one out. He now has two saves and two holds over his last six appearances and looks to be the Marlins’ closer with Peter Fairbanks on the injured list.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough has declined to name a closer in his absence, but Calvin Faucher seems like the logical choice to get the first opportunity. It’s a bit unclear how much time Fairbanks will miss since he’s dealt with nerve-related symptoms related to Raynaud’s disease in his fingers for the last couple years.

It’s been a recurring issue for Fairbanks, who dealt with a similar issue that required a trip to the injured list back in May. He’ll be reevaluated prior to Tuesday’s game before a decision on his next steps is made. The 32-year-old stopper was lifted from Monday’s appearance against the Red Sox after issuing a leadoff walk in the ninth inning of a tie ballgame. It would most likely be Calvin Faucher taking over as Miami’s primary closer in his absence. He’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues.

Fairbanks left with a trainer following leadoff walk to Mickey Gasper in the ninth inning of a tie ballgame. The 32-year-old has a lengthy injury history and it wouldn’t be surprising if this were an injured list situation. There should be an update on his status after the game. It would likely be Calvin Faucher taking over as Miami’s closer in his absence.

The Marlins declined to use Pete Fairbanks today after he threw 25 pitches Friday, so Faucher was given his first chance to close since Apr. 29. He’s had a terrific August, pitching 7 2/3 scoreless innings with an 11/1 K/BB ratio. It’s lowered his ERA from 4.63 to 3.98.