CHICAGO — The league-leading Tampa Bay Rays placed closer Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list Monday because of swelling in his left hip.
Manager Kevin Cash said Fairbanks texted that he was feeling better than when he left the ballpark on Sunday, though he was still sick. He was scheduled for further tests on Tuesday.
Fairbanks warmed up in the bullpen during the Rays’ wild 11-10 win over the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers at home on Sunday but left the dugout after his hip locked.
“We’re not going to replace Pete,” Cash said. “He’s really, really good. What he does in the back end of the bullpen when he’s right and healthy is pretty special. We feel like we’ve got some guys that can help, and if we can keep scoring runs in the clip now, that will help too.”
Fairbanks has five saves in six times and a 1.54 ERA in 13 appearances. He spent time on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month due to right arm inflammation.
The Rays, who own a 39-16 record entering Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, have recalled right-hander Trevor Kelley from Triple-A Durham. Kelley, 30, is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in six appearances (two starts) for the Rays this season.