Fairbanks Jokes About Marlins' Bullpen Without Phillips

After closing out the Miami Marlins’ 2-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, Pete Fairbanks joked that the bullpen has enjoyed a calmer atmosphere since Tyler Phillips moved into the rotation to help cover injuries.

Fairbanks had a lighthearted explanation for one change in Miami's bullpen this season. With Phillips now in the starting rotation, things have become a little quieter.

"It's way calmer down there without him," Fairbanks said with a smile. "He's filled in admirably into the rotation. He's throwing the ball really well."

Fairbanks even joked that bullpen catcher Han might be benefiting from the change, though he quickly walked that back.

"I would like to think that Han, our bullpen catcher, is living a bit of a better life," Fairbanks said. "But I'm not so sure that that's actually the case."

The humor reflected the confidence surrounding a Marlins club that continues to win in every phase of the game. Phillips delivered five scoreless innings against Seattle, allowing four hits and two walks while bouncing back from a difficult outing in West Sacramento. 

Additionally, Cade Gibson followed with two perfect innings, Michael Petersen threw a scoreless eighth, and Fairbanks worked around a ninth-inning single to earn his 13th save.

The victory improved Miami to 51-42 and extended its winning streak to five games. The Marlins have gone an MLB-best 25-8 since June 1 and recorded their eighth shutout of the season.

Fairbanks said that kind of success comes from every part of the roster contributing at the same time.

"It's not often that you get all three in sync with each other," Fairbanks said, referring to the pitching staff, bullpen, and offense. "Anytime you get that, it makes it great to show up to the yard every day, and you've got to take advantage of that."

Miami's offense continued its recent surge behind Kyle Stowers, who hit his fourth home run in four games with a solo shot in the second inning. Xavier Edwards added an RBI triple in the third, while Otto Lopez collected two more hits to raise his major league-leading batting average to .345.

The Marlins have also dominated at home, winning 15 of their past 17 games at loanDepot park while securing six consecutive home series.

Fairbanks admitted that staying emotionally even throughout a long season is not always easy, especially for a reliever whose opportunities can fluctuate from night to night.

Miami will look to complete a three-game sweep of Seattle on Thursday when Janson Junk returns from the injured list to start the series finale.

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