Pete Fairbanks Injury Update: What Happened to Pete Fairbanks?
by Srinithi
Updated Jun 09, 2023
Who is Pete Fairbanks?
Peter Anderson Fairbanks, born on December 16, 1993, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2019.
Fairbanks attended Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri. During his junior year of high school, he underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm. After completing high school, Fairbanks enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he played college baseball for the Tigers from 2013 to 2015.
During his time at Missouri, Fairbanks also had the opportunity to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League, a prestigious summer league for collegiate baseball players. In both 2013 and 2014, he pitched for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, gaining valuable experience and exposure to top-level competition.
After completing his college career, Fairbanks was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2015 MLB draft. He worked his way up through the Rangers' minor league system, showcasing his talent and earning a promotion to the major leagues. Fairbanks made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2019, starting his professional career at the highest level of baseball.
Pete Fairbanks Injury Update
Pete Fairbanks suffered a hip injury while warming up in the bullpen during the Tampa Bay Rays' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the eighth inning, Fairbanks limped from the bullpen to the dugout accompanied by a trainer. Rays manager Kevin Cash provided limited information about the injury, stating that Fairbanks' hip had locked up, but he didn't have further details at that time. The trainer mentioned that Fairbanks' muscles appeared to be fine, but he was in noticeable pain and walked gingerly.
Following the game, Fairbanks remained in the training room while the team prepared to travel to Chicago for a series against the Cubs. With Fairbanks unavailable, Jason Adam stepped in and pitched two innings, earning his first career six-out save, throwing 37 pitches in the process.
During the game, Josh Fleming pitched the first six innings but struggled, giving up 10 runs and five home runs on 12 hits, setting career highs in those categories. Jalen Beeks was also used in the seventh inning after having thrown 31 pitches in a previous outing as an opener.
Despite recent workload challenges, Cash expressed confidence that the bullpen would be able to manage until the team's upcoming off day on Thursday. However, the extent of Fairbanks' injury was unclear at the time, and if he needed to be placed on the injured list, the team would likely seek another pitcher to fill his spot.
Earlier in the season, Fairbanks had already missed time due to right wrist inflammation. Additionally, he was taken out of a cold game last month because of numbness in his fingers caused by Raynaud's syndrome. In the 2021 season, Fairbanks has recorded five saves in 13 appearances.
What happened to Pete Fairbanks?
The Tampa Bay Rays, currently leading the major leagues, made the decision to place their closer, Pete Fairbanks, on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left hip. Manager Kevin Cash provided an update, stating that Fairbanks had texted that he was feeling better compared to when he left the ballpark on Sunday, although he was still experiencing soreness. Fairbanks is scheduled for additional tests on Tuesday to further assess his condition.
The incident leading to Fairbanks' injury occurred during the Rays' thrilling 11-10 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. As he was warming up in the bullpen, his hip locked up, prompting him to leave the field for the dugout. The team acknowledges that Fairbanks is an exceptional player, and his presence at the back end of the bullpen is highly valued when he is healthy and performing at his best. Although they cannot replace him directly, the Rays believe they have other capable players who can contribute to the bullpen. They also emphasize that the team's strong run-scoring ability will provide support during Fairbanks' absence.
So far this season, Fairbanks has been impressive, recording five saves in six chances with an outstanding 1.54 ERA in 13 appearances. He had previously spent time on the 15-day injured list earlier in the month due to inflammation in his right forearm.
In response to Fairbanks' placement on the injured list, the Rays called up right-handed pitcher Trevor Kelley from Triple-A Durham. Kelley, a 30-year-old pitcher, has made six appearances (including two starts) for the Rays this season, posting an 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA.
As of Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs, the Rays boasted an impressive 39-16 record, showcasing their dominant performance in the league.
Pete Fairbanks Personal life
Pete Fairbanks, the professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, comes from a baseball background. His father, Shane Fairbanks, also had a connection to the sport. Shane played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers in the 1980s, showcasing his own talent on the diamond. Additionally, he had the opportunity to play in the minor league baseball system for the Houston Astros organization in 1983, further solidifying his passion for the game. Pete Fairbanks likely inherited his love for baseball from his father, who played at both the collegiate and professional levels.
In his personal life, Pete Fairbanks is married to his wife named Lydia. Together, they have been blessed with a son and a daughter, adding joy and fulfillment to their family life. While Pete dedicates himself to his baseball career, his family serves as a source of support and motivation, accompanying him on his journey in the world of professional sports.
Pete Fairbanks Injury Update-FAQ
Yes, Pete Fairbanks' father, Shane Fairbanks, played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers in the 1980s and also had a stint in minor league baseball with the Houston Astros organization in 1983.
Pete Fairbanks and his wife, Lydia, have one son and one daughter together.
Pete Fairbanks is a professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Pete Fairbanks has been a valuable asset for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has recorded five saves in six chances and boasts an impressive 1.54 ERA in 13 appearances.
After experiencing hip inflammation, Pete Fairbanks texted that he was feeling better than when he left the ballpark, although he is still sore. He is scheduled for further tests to determine his condition.