Pete Fairbanks's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that closer Pete Fairbanks (undisclosed) underwent tests on Tuesday that came back "really clean." Fairbanks was sent for multiple tests, evaluating everything from his neck to his fingertips, but the Rays still haven't provided a specific diagnosis. Cash is "encouraged that nothing is showing up," though. While it's promising to hear no serious setback for Fairbanks has come to light to this point, the hard-throwing 30-year-old right-hander's return timetable from a nerve-related issue remains very cloudy. Over Fairbanks' two injured-list stints last season, setup man Jason Adam collected 10 saves while the closer was sidelined, and he belongs on all mixed-league fantasy rosters until Tampa Bay's bullpen hierarchy becomes clearer. Lefty Colin Poche should be in the mix for ninth-inning work as well, but he gave up three runs in the eighth inning in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks (undisclosed) on the 15-day injured list with a nerve-related issue on Monday and recalled right-hander Kevin Kelly from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move. We'll get more specific information out there once it's released by the team, but this doesn't sound good at all for the Rays' closer. Fantasy managers with Fairbanks or in need of saves should consider putting a claim on Jason Adam, who could be next in line for saves in Tampa until Fairbanks can return. Fairbanks hasn't had a great start to 2024, either, going 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA, three saves, a 2.29 WHIP and 10 K's with eight walks in seven innings. Tampa could totally run with a committee for saves, too, as Colin Poche and Garrett Cleavinger have recorded the team's last two saves, not Adam

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks blew the save in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Angels. Fairbanks came on in the ninth with a 4-3 lead and recorded an out to the first batter he faced, then the wheels came off. The 30-year-old proceeded to allow three singles and two walks (one was an IBB to Mike Trout) which resulted in two runs coming across the plate and a blown save. It was only his first blown save of the season, but he's been up and down so far to start the year. Over eight appearances (seven IP) the righty has allowed seven earned runs on eight hits with a BB:K of 8:10. Fairbanks does have three saves to his name thus far and his job doesn't seem to be in jeopardy, but a couple more outings like this and fantasy managers might consider picking up Jason Adam as insurance.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks recorded his third save of 2024 on Friday in a 2-1 win over the Giants. It was his third straight conversion, although the 30-year-old has been shaky to start the season with a 9.00 ERA, 2.20 WHIP, and a 6:8 BB:K in six games (five IP). In Friday's appearance, he walked the first batter he faced on four pitches, and half of the 18 pitches he threw were balls despite not allowing a hit or another runner to get on base. His role as closer seems secure for now though. Last season Fairbanks saved 25 games for the Rays with a 2.58 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, but the righty did have a high BB% of 10.9%, so that part of his game doesn't seem like it's going away.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks collected his second save of the year in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, striking out three batters to preserve the victory. Fairbanks sat down the first two hitters he faced before the lineup turned over and Luis Rengifo singled to right center to get the tying run to the plate, but the hurler was able to punch out Mickey Moniak to end the game. The flame-throwing 30-year-old right-hander is off to shaky start despite converting his first two save opportunities of the 2024 season, carrying a troubling 11.25 ERA and 2.50 WHIP with eight K's over his first four innings of work. Although the Rays feature a deep bullpen with plenty of options based on matchups, Fairbanks' stuff is the best of the bunch and keeps him positioned as Tampa Bay's preferred ninth-inning man going forward.