JUPITER, Fla. — Signed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Marlins prior to the start of the 2026 regular season, reliever Pete Fairbanks made his spring debut on Wednesday against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Taking over for reliever Tyler Phillips, who tossed a scoreless first inning on 11 pitches, Fairbanks, at 6-foot-6, took the hill.

In a scoreless second inning, Fairbanks threw 20 pitches, walking one batter and striking out two.

Fairbanks’ max velocity reached 97.4 mph, a positive sign for his health as March nears.

The Marlins are hoping Fairbanks will be their immediate closer. He has a 3.19 career ERA and 90 saves with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Reliever Anthony Bender remains day-to-day with a lower leg issue suffered early in spring training, but he has been participating and throwing bullpen sessions recently.

Ronny Henriquez won’t be available for the Marlins in 2026 after undergoing right elbow UCL surgery. The team placed him on the 60-day injured list.

Phillips performed well in save opportunities last season and has been involved in late-inning work, but Marlins manager Clayton McCullough has not officially named him the team’s closer, indicating the role will go to Fairbanks.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.