Marlins Closer Fairbanks to Start Against Yankees

Unorthodox move comes as Marlins honor late team owner's birthday

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Miami Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks will make a rare start against the New York Yankees on Sunday, a move that comes as the team honors the late birthday of former owner Wayne Huizenga.

Why it matters

Fairbanks is one of the top closers in baseball, so his shift to the starting rotation is an unusual strategic decision by the Marlins. The move is likely tied to the team's plans to celebrate Huizenga's legacy, who owned the Marlins from their inception in 1993 until his death in 2018.

The details

Fairbanks, who has recorded 87 saves over the past three seasons, will make just his third career start on Sunday. His previous two starts came in 2020 while he was with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Marlins have not disclosed if this is a one-time event or part of a longer-term plan to utilize Fairbanks in a different role.

  • Fairbanks' last two starts were in 2020 while with the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • Wayne Huizenga, the former owner of the Marlins, would have celebrated his birthday on April 5, 2026.

The players

Pete Fairbanks

The closer for the Miami Marlins, known for his high-powered fastball and late-inning dominance.

Wayne Huizenga

The former owner of the Miami Marlins, who owned the team from its inception in 1993 until his death in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to do something special to honor Wayne's legacy and impact on this franchise. Having Pete start is our way of recognizing Wayne's birthday and all he did for baseball in Miami.”

— Derek Jeter, Marlins CEO

What’s next

The Marlins have not announced if Fairbanks will make any additional starts beyond Sunday's game against the Yankees.

The takeaway

The Marlins' decision to have their All-Star closer Pete Fairbanks start against the Yankees is an unconventional move, but one that appears to be driven by the team's desire to honor the legacy of their late former owner Wayne Huizenga on what would have been his birthday.