Pete Fairbanks is unquestionably the closer for the Miami Marlins.

Against the New York Yankees on Sunday, Fairbanks will be the starting pitcher.

He’s only made two previous starts, both in 2020 for the Tampa Bay Rays, and this wasn’t the initial plan for Sunday.

But he’ll be the opener in front of Chris Paddack, and for the coolest reason.

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Why is Pete Fairbanks starting today?

Fairbanks is starting Sunday because of what comes next in his schedule.

On Monday morning, Fairbanks’ wife is being induced to give birth, according to Isaac Azout.

That means that once Fairbanks pitches on Sunday, he’ll be hustling back to Florida.

The game was initially supposed to start at 1:35 p.m. ET, and in that setup, Fairbanks would’ve still come out of the bullpen.

With a rain delay, though, this is the easiest way for the Marlins to ensure they get an inning out of Fairbanks.

So far this season, Fairbanks has thrown 3.0 scoreless innings, striking out five and recording two saves.

It’s his first season with Miami after seven years with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Soon enough, Fairbanks will be back closing games. But on this day, ahead of a special life milestone, Fairbanks gets the ball to pitch the bottom of the first inning in Yankee Stadium.

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