Marlins' Closer Fairbanks Unavailable for Sunday's Game

Marlins manager announces reliever will rest after pitching the past two days.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The Miami Marlins have announced that their new closer, Pete Fairbanks, will be unavailable for Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Fairbanks, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the team in late December, has pitched the past two days and recorded two saves. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough stated that Fairbanks needs to rest, and other relievers like Calvin Faucher, Anthony Bender, and Andrew Nardi will be in the mix to fill the closer role if a save situation arises on Sunday.

Why it matters

Fairbanks was a key offseason acquisition for the Marlins, who are looking to improve their bullpen and compete in the NL East division. His unavailability for Sunday's game could impact the team's chances of securing a win, especially if a save situation arises. The Marlins will need to rely on their depth in the bullpen to fill the closer role effectively.

The details

Fairbanks, the Marlins' new closer, has pitched the past two days and recorded two saves to start the season. However, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough has announced that Fairbanks will be unavailable for Sunday's game against the Rockies, as he needs to rest after the back-to-back outings. Other relievers like Calvin Faucher, Anthony Bender, and Andrew Nardi will be in the mix to fill the closer role if a save situation arises on Sunday.

  • Fairbanks signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Marlins in late December 2025.
  • Fairbanks has pitched the past two days and recorded two saves to start the 2026 season.

The players

Pete Fairbanks

The Marlins' new closer, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the team in late December 2025.

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins.

Calvin Faucher

A Marlins relief pitcher who may fill the closer role on Sunday.

Anthony Bender

A Marlins relief pitcher who may fill the closer role on Sunday.

Andrew Nardi

A Marlins relief pitcher who may fill the closer role on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“Fairbanks won't be available Sunday against the Rockies after pitching the past two days.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager

What’s next

The Marlins will need to rely on their bullpen depth to fill the closer role on Sunday, with Calvin Faucher, Anthony Bender, and Andrew Nardi as potential options.

The takeaway

The Marlins' decision to rest their new closer, Pete Fairbanks, after back-to-back outings highlights the importance of managing pitcher workloads, especially early in the season. The team's bullpen depth will be tested as they look to secure a win without their top reliever available.