ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated closer Pete Fairbanks from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Chris Muller to triple-A Durham on Monday.
Fairbanks, who hasn't pitched since April 28, has been sidelined by inflammation near his right wrist. He has not allowed a run in 7 2/3 scoreless innings over eight appearances this season. He has three saves.
Tampa Bay's bullpen has been affected by injuries all season.
Right-handers Andrew Kittredge (Tommy John surgery) and Shawn Armstrong (neck) have not appeared in a game in 2023, while lefty Garrett Cleavinger sprained his right knee on May 8 and could miss the rest of the season.
Muller had his contract selected from Durham on Friday but did not appear in a game.
The Rays, with the major's best record at 31-11, open a three-game series Tuesday night at the New York Mets.
