NEW YORK — In an unusual yet heartfelt moment at Yankee Stadium, the Miami Marlins handed Pete Fairbanks his first start since 2020, allowing the reliever to balance professional duty with a life changing personal event.
Originally slated to come out of the bullpen, Fairbanks was instead named the starting pitcher after a rain delay disrupted the schedule. The decision, taken by manager Clayton McCullough during a morning discussion, ensured Fairbanks could pitch briefly and still leave in time for the birth of his child.
The right-hander delivered a single inning, throwing 27 pitches. His outing included a three-run homer conceded to New York’s Ben Rice, giving the Yankees an early edge. Immediately after completing his appearance, Fairbanks exited the stadium to board a flight to Tampa, where his wife Lydia was preparing for labour induction.
Following his departure, Andrew Nardi handled the next inning before Chris Paddack initially expected to start entered in the third. Paddack delivered a steady performance, conceding just one unearned run over 4 2/3 innings, marking an improvement from his previous outing.
Fairbanks, who joined Miami on a one-year deal after his stint with Tampa Bay, has built a solid reputation as a closer, registering 27 saves last season. His brief start added a unique chapter to a career that already spans eight Major League seasons.
Teammates acknowledged the unusual circumstances, praising his commitment both on and off the field. Catcher Liam Hicks noted that while the outing may not have been ideal competitively, the moment underscored the importance of family, while Paddack highlighted the team’s adaptability in handling the sudden change in plans.