Marlins Pitcher Fairbanks Starts Game to Attend Child's Birth

Rare move allows relief pitcher to be present for family milestone.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:16pm

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The Miami Marlins gave relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks a rare start on Sunday to allow him to leave the team and be present for the birth of his child. Fairbanks' wife is scheduled to have labor induced on Monday morning, and the Marlins organization wanted to accommodate Fairbanks' need to be with his family during this important life event.

Why it matters

The Marlins' decision to adjust their pitching rotation to accommodate a player's personal life commitments is an uncommon but thoughtful move in professional sports, where the demands of the game often take priority over family obligations. This gesture highlights the team's commitment to supporting their players' well-being and work-life balance.

The details

Fairbanks, who typically pitches in relief, was given the start on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. This allowed him to complete his outing and travel home to be with his wife for the birth of their child, which is scheduled for Monday morning.

  • Fairbanks' wife is scheduled to have labor induced on Monday morning.

The players

Pete Fairbanks

A relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins who was given a rare start to allow him to attend the birth of his child.

Miami Marlins

The professional baseball team that adjusted their pitching rotation to accommodate Fairbanks' personal commitment.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to make sure Pete could be there for his family during this special time.”

— Don Mattingly, Manager, Miami Marlins

What’s next

Fairbanks is expected to rejoin the Marlins after attending the birth of his child.

The takeaway

The Marlins' decision to adjust their pitching rotation to allow Fairbanks to be present for the birth of his child demonstrates the team's commitment to supporting their players' personal lives and work-life balance, a rare but thoughtful gesture in the high-pressure world of professional sports.