pete fairbanks will start for the Miami Marlins on Sunday against the New York Yankees in the Bronx, a late twist driven by weather and a family milestone. Manager Clayton McCullough said the club is using Fairbanks as an opener before Chris Paddack enters the game at some point. The move comes as Miami tries to avoid a sweep after dropping the first two games of the series.
Why the Marlins changed course at Yankee Stadium
The Marlins announced the adjustment before Sunday afternoon’s game, with rain in the Northeast complicating the original pitching plan. The start time had been pushed back to at least 3 p. m. ET, and the delay made it more likely the timing would overlap with Fairbanks’ schedule on Monday morning.
McCullough said the club wanted Fairbanks to get back for the birth of his child, explaining that the team would have started Chris Paddack under normal circumstances. Instead, Miami chose to get an inning or so out of Fairbanks early, knowing he would be out of the mix for a few days once he goes on the Paternity List on Monday.
The decision also reflects the structure of this specific series. This is the only series between the Marlins and Yankees this season, so if Sunday’s game is affected further, making it up later would be difficult.
pete fairbanks gets the ball first
pete fairbanks has been Miami’s closer, but Sunday’s assignment gives him a different role for one day. He has made only two previous starts, both in 2020 for the Tampa Bay Rays, and this was not the initial plan for the game.
Fairbanks is in his first season with Miami after seven years with Tampa Bay. So far this season, he has thrown 3. 0 scoreless innings, struck out five, and recorded two saves. On Sunday, he is expected to begin the game in the bottom of the first inning at Yankee Stadium before Paddack follows later.
What the Marlins are managing right now
Miami entered the weekend after opening the season 5-1 with series wins over the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox, but the trip to New York has been a tougher test. The Marlins lost the first two games, including Saturday night’s 9-7 defeat after blowing a 4-0 lead.
That context made Sunday more urgent. The club is trying to avoid a sweep while also balancing the weather delay and the timing of Fairbanks’ family plans. If the game is pushed again, the pitching picture could become even more complicated.
What comes next for pete fairbanks
Fairbanks is still expected to return to his usual closing role soon enough, but Sunday stands out as a temporary adjustment built around timing, rain, and family. For the Marlins, the hope is simple: get through the finale, avoid the sweep, and keep pete fairbanks available for the days ahead once he steps away for the birth of his child.
