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 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.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong notched his first save of the season Sunday in a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. This save was of the two-inning variety, as Armstrong threw the eighth and ninth. He allowed an inherited runner to score in the eighth and one of his own in the ninth to make things interesting but escaped with the save. Of note in this one is that presumed closer Pete Fairbanks wasn't used for the second day in a row in a save situation. He gave up three runs and took the loss on Friday while struggling with control and then wasn't used either of the past two days, so this is a situation worth monitoring. Fairbanks should still be rostered in all leagues where saves count, and Armstrong isn't worth rostering in most leagues. Jason Adam, however, could be a nice handcuff to have for Fairbanks owners.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks walked three batters and was credited with three earned runs in the Tampa Bay Rays walk-off loss to the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Fairbanks entered the game in a close situation with the Rays up 7-6 and walked three straight batters to load the bases before getting removed. He was credited with the loss after Ryan McMahon hit a walk-off grand slam against Jason Adam. After the game, Fairbanks was critical of the condition of the baseballs the Rockies were using but stated that he needed to be better and that "that's what happens when you don't throw strikes." After three appearances in 2024, Fairbanks is still looking for his first save of the season. Despite his struggles, fantasy managers should continue to roll with Fairbanks in all league formats.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks made his spring debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The right-hander threw a perfect ninth inning while striking out two batters. Fairbanks isn't coming off an injury, but the team is taking things slowly with him given his injury history. He was a viable ninth inning option for the Rays last season. He posted a 2.58 ERA, with a 68/22 K/BB ratio and 25 saves last season.

On Sunday, Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks was tasked with securing the last six outs of the game. Unfortunately, he picked up a blown save instead as his team lost to Baltimore 5-4. In the eighth inning, he surrendered a solo home run to Orioles designated hitter Adley Rutschman. During the ninth frame, he allowed consecutive hits that tied the score at 3-3. Later, in extra innings, Cedric Mullins hit a game-winning sac fly off Jake Diekman to end the contest. Fairbanks has converted on 24 of 27 save opportunities in 2023 despite the blown save.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks was electric again on Thursday, striking out the side without allowing a baserunner to shut the door on the Baltimore Orioles. Fairbanks now has an astounding 17 strikeouts in 7 IP in September, along with a 1.35 ERA and six saves in seven attempts. The 29-year-old appears to have locked down the closer role for the Rays, which is saying something for a team that usually has three or four guys in a committee approach. He is a bit of a risk heading into next season because of the team he plays for, but Fairbanks will likely be drafted in the mid-rounds as a top-10 closer.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks notched his 23rd save of the season in Monday's 7-4 win over the Twins. Fairbanks came in to pitch the ninth inning up by three. He got the first two outs on a flyout and strikeout, hit a batter, and ended the game with a lineout. The 29-year-old has played a surprisingly conventional role at the end of games this season when healthy, converting all but two save opportunities with a 2.23 ERA and a 12.94 K/9 rate. He should remain a higher-end fantasy option for the final few weeks of the fantasy season.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Pete Fairbanks picked up his 20th save of the season on Wednesday when he closed out the 3-1 victory against the Boston Red Sox. The only damage was a one-out single, and he struck out a pair in the ninth inning. Fairbanks has been exceptional again in 2023, posting a 2.41 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 34.0% strikeout rate over 37 1/3 innings. Despite pitching for the Rays, the 29-year-old should be viewed as the closer and fantasy managers can expect another handful of saves before the season's over.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks fired a scoreless ninth inning on one hit with three strikeouts for his 16th save of the season in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. The 29-year-old fanned Alan Trejo before allowing a single to get the tying run to the plate. Fairbanks proceeded to quickly dispatch a few pinch-hitters to preserve the lead and secure a series sweep. The flame-throwing right-hander shows a 2.56 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 41:15 K:BB during 31 2/3 frames this year. Fairbanks has converted 16 out of 17 save opportunities in 2023 and remains Tampa Bay's go-to stopper.

It wasn't a clean outing, but Tampa Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks was able to pick up his 15th save of the season in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Cardinals. Fairbanks came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by three. He got the first out on a flyout, allowed a solo home run, and got the final two outs on a groundout and a strikeout. Despite the Rays' history of mixing and matching their bullpen use, Fairbanks has mostly served as the team's primary closer when healthy this season. He has converted all but one save opportunity with a 2.00 ERA and a 10.67 K/9 rate. His seemingly increased role security gives Fairbanks even more fantasy value in all leagues.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Pete Fairbanks earned his 14th save of the season when he closed out the 5-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Tuesday. The 29-year-old came into the contest with two outs in the ninth and struck out the only batter he faced. Fairbanks now owns a 1.80 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 30.3% strikeout rate over 25 innings and has recorded five saves since the beginning of July. Fantasy managers should expect him to remain the number one ninth-inning option out of the Rays bullpen and continue to build on another strong season.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks picked up his 12th save of the season in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Marlins. Fairbanks came in to pitch the ninth inning up by three and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. While he has missed some time throughout the season due to injury, Fairbanks has been excellent when healthy and has blown just one save opportunity with a 1.99 ERA and 10.32 K/9 rate. Even more encouraging, Jason Adam, who had been serving as a committee-mate has not earned a save since the middle of June. Fairbanks always seemed to have the edge, but he seems to be trending toward a traditional closer's role at this time.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks took the loss Thursday after allowing the game-winning run to score in the top of the ninth. Fairbanks was called into a tied game after Jason Adam blew a save in the eighth, giving the former a chance to potentially cement his status as closer. Unfortunately, Fairbanks had a rough outing of his own, allowing a run on a hit and a walk, although he did strike out a pair. The 29-year-old had a scoreless streak of six appearances before this one and should still see the majority of save opportunities for the Rays, making him an elite fantasy option.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks picked up the save on Thursday when he worked a scoreless ninth inning while picking up one strikeout in a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. Fairbanks was activated from the 15-day injured list on Thursday after missing three weeks with hip inflammation and the Rays wasted no time in getting their 29-year-old stopper on the mound. Jason Adam worked the eighth inning and gave way to Fairbanks who worked a scoreless ninth to secure his sixth save of the season. Fairbanks looks to be the preferred closer option in Tampa but he will concede the occasional opportunity to Adam and company as is customary with the Rays. He now has a stellar 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 11:5 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings on the season.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks has been activated from the injured list as he returns from a hip injury. Right-hander Ryan Thompson has been optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Fairbanks needed just one tune-up start with the team's Florida Complex League club, tossing one shutout inning while striking out two of the three hitters he faced. The flame-thrower dominated to the tune of a 1.54 ERA across 13 outings before hitting the shelf but there are some underlying concerns. His strikeout rate has dipped to just 20.4% through 11 2/3 innings while his 4.22 FIP and 4.14 SIERA suggest regression is on the horizon. However, Fairbanks should continue to be a solid source of saves at the back end of the Rays' bullpen.

Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks (hip) didn't allow a run or a hit while walking none and striking out two in an inning of work in the Florida Complex League on Monday. Fairbanks is likely to need a couple more minor-league rehab appearances before returning from left-hip inflammation. Barring a setback, fantasy managers should have him back for their lineups by the end of the week. The 29-year-old right-hander will return to being the team's primary closing option when he's ready, and he has a tidy 1.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, five saves and 10 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings pitched so far in 2023. Jason Adam will continue to serve as the Rays' closer until Fairbanks is reinstated from the injured list.