More nerve irritation ends Pete Fairbanks' 2026 season

On Tuesday, for the third time this season, the Miami Marlins placed closer Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list with right median nerve irritation. Only 13 days remain in the regular season, so even a minimum stint on the IL will prevent him from returning to the active roster. The Marlins recalled right-hander Bradley Blalock in a corresponding roster move.

In the bottom of the ninth inning of Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Fairbanks entered in a save situation, with the Marlins holding a 7-6 lead. He exited after throwing just six pitches (five balls). His replacement, rookie Jack Ralston, allowed walk-off home run to Corbin Carroll in the 8-7 loss.

"He's frustrated," Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said regarding Fairbanks. "I feel bad for Pete. He's worked hard to try to come back from this, and then to go back out for your second appearance since coming off the IL and have a similar feeling that he did, I feel for him right now."

Fairbanks, 32, signed a one-year deal worth $13M last offseason, receiving the highest salary in franchise history for a full-time reliever. He made 46 appearances (41.1 IP), posting a 6.31 ERA, 4.60 FIP, 12.41 K/9 and 4.57 BB/9 with 19 saves. It was a dramatic step back from his previous season with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he had a career-high 60 ⅓ innings pitched and 27 saves.

Fairbanks is the only Marlins player who's eligible for free agency during the 2026-27 offseason. He would certainly be cheaper to sign this time around, but it is hard to believe he has a future in Miami given his disappointing performance and the projected return of high-leverage reliever Ronny Henriquez from elbow surgery.

Blalock made two relief appearances for the Marlins earlier this month. Otherwise, he has spent the whole season in Triple-A Jacksonville's rotation.