Rays to promote RHP Peter Fairbanks

The Rays continue to ensure a fresh supply of bullpen arms; they optioned José De León after his two inning stint on Wednesday, and have now promoted Peter Fairbanks, a right-handed relief pitcher acquired in July from the Texas Rangers. The Rays had parted ways with INF Nick Solak in that trade.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors summarizesFairbanks’ repertoire:

The right-hander brings an electric two-pitch mix to the Tampa Bay bullpen. Both MLB.com and Fangraphs give him a 70 grade (on the 20-80 scale) for his fastball and a 55 on his slider, though Eric Longenhagen and Kiley McDaniel noted in their ranking of the prospects moved at this year’s deadline that Fairbanks’ slider will flash plus-plus (70) at times as well.

His former GM, according to Mark Topkin, describes him as a guy with “lightning bolts coming out of his arms.”

The twenty-six year old had debuted with the Rangers, where he pitched eight innings. Used in short relief in Durham, he had struck out 19 batters in 10.1 innings.

We looking forward to seeing him light up Tropicana Field. You can read Adam Sanford’s look at Fairbanks here.