Anthony Bender
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2022Storm3700014052.05938305496.58
2023Storm30000205.0353309.00
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 22 2024Bender (2-2) picked up the win Friday over the Mariners, working a perfect 10th inning without a walk or a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander sat down the bottom of Seattle's order on 14 pitches (eight strikes), then got rewarded when Tim Anderson walked it off with an RBI single in the bottom of the frame. Over his last 12 appearances, Bender has delivered a 2.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and three holds in addition to Friday's win, and he remains part of the high-leverage mix for Miami.
May 13 2024Bender (1-2) picked up the win Sunday against the Phillies, walking two and striking out one in a scoreless 10th inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both free passes the right-hander issued were at least semi-intentional, but Bender was able to get Kody Clemens to pop out with the bases loaded to end the threat. The Marlins then walked it off in the bottom of the frame to give Bender the victory. He's delivered six straight scoreless appearances and the 29-year-old right-hander does have a 20:7 K:BB through 17 innings on the season, but his 5.82 ERA and 1.71 WHIP make him tough to rely on for fantasy purposes.
Apr 15 2024Bender gave up a run on three hits while striking out one in the seventh inning Sunday, recording his fourth hold of the season in a loss to Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander's 5.14 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through seven innings aren't pretty, but Bender leads the Marlins in holds and his 11:2 K:BB indicates he's fully recovered from the Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2023. Tanner Scott blew the save Sunday and seems to be hanging onto his closer role by a thread, so Bender and Andrew Nardi could begin to see ninth-inning work in his place.
Apr 5 2024Bender gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning Thursday to collect his second hold of the season in a loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been arguably the Marlins' most reliable reliever so far, posting a 6:1 K:BB through 3.2 innings and getting scored upon in only one of his four appearances. By contrast, closer Tanner Scott has a 5:6 K:BB in 3.0 innings, and Andrew Nardi has an ERA of 21.60 and has given up multiple runs in three of his four appearances. Bender's usage Thursday doesn't suggest he's in the closing mix at the moment, but if Scott and Nardi continue to struggle, that could change by the time Miami -- 0-8 to begin the season -- starts having late leads to protect.
Apr 2 2024Bender was charged with two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an innings during Monday's loss to the Angels. He struck out one without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander's final line was a little unlucky, as the second run charged to him scored on a Burch Smith balk after Bender had left the game. Bender threw only 19.1 big-league innings the prior two years, largely due to Tommy John surgery in August 2022, but he's had a solid start to his 2024 campaign and has posted a 5:1 K:BB through 2.2 innings, with Monday's runs being the first on his ledger. Tanner Scott's control has nearly completely deserted him to begin the season, so Bender might get a chance to reclaim the closer role he briefly held early in 2022.
Mar 16 2024Bender gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old right-hander didn't pitch at all in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, but Bender has been healthy in camp and looks ready to resume a high-leverage role in the Marlins' bullpen. Through six spring innings, he's allowed only one run while posting an 8:2 K:BB. Tanner Scott is expected to begin the season as Miami's closer, but if he falters, Bender could work his way back into the ninth-inning mix -- he recorded six saves, plus three holds and a win, over 22 appearances in 2022 prior to undergoing elbow surgery.
Feb 5 2024Bender (elbow) said in a recent interview with Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald that he's fully recovered from his August 2022 Tommy John surgery and is prepared to enter spring training with no restrictions. "I'm ready to go in and help out anywhere I can," Bender said. "If there's a spot where my name is called, I'll go out there and do my job." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In addition to having Tommy John surgery, Bender underwent a hip procedure late in the 2022 season and wasn't available to pitch at any level in 2023. He had been cleared to face hitters in the final weeks of the 2023 season and looks as though he's had a relatively normal offseason now that he's well over a year removed from Tommy John surgery. Before suffering the elbow injury, Bender had been one of the Marlins' top relievers in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but he may open the 2024 season in more of a lower-leverage role as he aims to regain his pre-surgery velocity and command. Miami is already bringing back most of its key relievers from this past season, when the bullpen ended up being a surprise strength for the team in the second half as the Marlins earned a spot in the postseason.
Jan 11 2024Bender (elbow) agreed to a one-year contract with the Marlins on Thursday to avoid arbitration. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender missed all of the 2023 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He was facing hitters in September, meaning he should have the chance to enter the 2024 campaign healthy.
Sep 19 2023Bender (elbow) is expected to progress to live batting practice sessions soon, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender has been throwing off a mound for two months now and is almost ready to face hitters. The reliever is nearly 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery but is not expected to make it back before the end of the season.
Jul 15 2023Bender (elbow) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session earlier this week, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The side session amounts to Bender's first reported mound work since he underwent Tommy John surgery last August. The Marlins haven't officially ruled Bender out from pitching in 2023, but at this stage of his recovery program, he's most likely at least a month away from starting what would presumably be an extended minor-league rehab assignment.
May 30 2023Bender (elbow) increased his flat-ground throwing Tuesday to 120 feet, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender needed Tommy John surgery in late August of last year and probably won't be ready to return to a major-league mound until the beginning of the 2024 season, but all of the reports from the early stages of his recovery have been encouraging.
Apr 3 2023The Marlins announced Monday that Bender (elbow) has resumed playing catch, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Playing catch marks Bender's first reported throwing activity since he underwent Tommy John surgery Aug. 30, 2022. Though he'll likely face a shorter recovery and buildup program from his surgery than a starting pitcher, Bender still isn't expected to be ready to pitch out of the Miami bullpen at any point in 2023.
Mar 15 2023The Marlins placed Bender (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in late September and will miss the entire 2023 season. Garrett Hampson has been added to the 40-man roster in Miami in a corresponding move.
Sep 2 2022Bender (elbow) will begin his rehab process with Single-A Jupiter in a week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After undergoing Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Bender is scheduled to begin the rehab process next week in the minors. Of course, Tommy John surgery typically takes a long time to return from, so it might take Bender an entire season before he's able to pitch in the big leagues again.
Aug 30 2022Bender (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was reported earlier this month that Bender would require Tommy John surgery, and he was able to sneak in the procedure before August came to a close. Given the timing of the injury, Bender may not be ready to pitch again until sometime in 2024.
Aug 20 2022Bender (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in the near future, so this is simply a procedural move to open up a 40-man roster spot for Bryan Hoeing to start Saturday's contest versus the Dodgers. Bender is not expected to be available until the 2024 season.
Aug 19 2022Bender (elbow), who was placed on the injured list Sunday, will require Tommy John surgery, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old's initial diagnosis was a right elbow strain after exiting a game last weekend against Atlanta, and he's apparently dealing with damage to the UCL. Bender will miss the rest of the season and should also be expected to be sidelined for the full 2023 campaign. He recorded six saves and three holds with a 3.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB across 19.1 innings this year.
Aug 14 2022Bender was placed on the injured list Sunday with a right elbow strain, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The extent of the injury that forced Bender from the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta is uncertain, but he will be out at least a couple weeks.
Aug 13 2022Bender (undisclosed) was removed from the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta after throwing five pitches, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender came in to pitch with the Marlins down four runs in the ninth, though his outing was cut short. It's unclear what caused his exit, but Bender returned from a back injury on Aug. 2.
Aug 2 2022Bender (back) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender had been out since mid-May, but he's ready to after four scoreless, hitless rehab appearances. Prior to his absence, he'd recorded a mediocre 4.50 ERA in 14 innings of work but had recorded six saves. It's unlikely he'll unseat current closer Tanner Scott right away.
Jul 24 2022Bender (back) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender has already been on the injured list for nearly 60 days, so the transaction won't affect his return timeline. The 27-year-old began a rehab assignment in mid-July, and he could rejoin the Marlins after making a couple more outings in the minors.
Jul 15 2022Bender (back) began a rehab assignment with the Marlins' rookie-level Florida Coast League affiliate Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender has been sidelined since late May due to his back injury, but it's encouraging that he's now been cleared to return to game action. His rehab assignment will shift to Single-A Jupiter on Sunday, and he'll likely be in the mix to rejoin the Marlins shortly after the All-Star break.
Jul 5 2022Bender (back) resumed playing catch from 60 feet this week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender had been throwing bullpen sessions as recently as mid-June, but he appears to have regressed in his recovery from the back injury at some point over the past three weeks. Though the right-hander is at least throwing again in some capacity, he still has several more hurdles to clear before the Marlins will entertain bringing him back from the 15-day injured list. Bender doesn't look on pace to be activated before the All-Star break.
Jun 13 2022Bender (back) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender threw 15 pitches off a mound Thursday and slightly increased his pitch count during Sunday's throwing session. He apparently felt good afterward, as he's expected to throw in a simulated game soon. The right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to rejoin the Marlins but has made good progress recently.
Jun 10 2022Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender resumed playing catch last week, but he was able to throw off a mound Thursday. The right-hander exclusively threw fastballs during the bullpen session, but it was a significant step forward in his recovery process. Assuming he continues to ramp up his workload in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to game action action at some point next week.
Jun 2 2022Bender (back) is scheduled to play catch Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first known throwing activity for Bender since the Marlins placed him on the 15-day injured list May 25. He may not be ready to return to the active roster when first eligible next Monday, but the fact that Bender isn't being shut down bodes well for his chances of avoiding an extended absence. Once he's activated, Bender could re-emerge as a factor in the Marlins' still-unsettled closer picture.
May 25 2022Bender was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to May 23, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender hasn't pitched since May 18, and he's apparently been dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of action. He'll be sidelined until at least early June, while Cole Sulser, Dylan Floro and Anthony Bass should continue to see the majority of high-leverage work in Bender's absence.
May 18 2022Bender (1-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Nationals, giving up two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the win is nice, it's a little concerning for his long-term fantasy outlook than Bender entered a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. The right-hander has yet to record a save in May after reeling off four in five days at the end of April, and while Dylan Floro has struggled since coming off the injured list, Bender's usage Tuesday suggests he might be moving into a high-leverage role and out of the ninth inning. On the season, he carries a 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 14 innings while converting six of eight save chances.
May 4 2022Bender (0-3) was charged with a blown save and the loss Wednesday against Arizona after giving up two runs on two hits with two strikeouts and zero walks during the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander entered for the top of the ninth with a 7-6 lead and struck out the first batter he faced, but Daulton Varsho reached on a single and Pavin Smith followed with a two-run home run. Bender came into the contest having converted four straight saves while not allowing a run in his past four appearances, but he got bit by the Diamondbacks. The 27-year-old is 6-for-8 in save opportunities and has a 5.79 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB across 9.1 innings this season, and his run as Miami's primary closer could be near an end with Dylan Floro (shoulder) on a rehab assignment and close to returning from the injured list.
Apr 24 2022Bender didn't enter for Saturday's save opportunity due to hip soreness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury apparently cropped up during his last outing Wednesday against St. Louis, when he took the loss after giving up two runs on a hit with a strikeout and a walk over one inning. Bender is apparently feeling better, but the Marlins will remain cautious with his return. Tanner Scott picked up the save Saturday, as Miami's closing situation remains wide open with Dylan Floro (shoulder) still on the injured list. Bender has struggled early in the campaign and has an 8.31 ERA over 4.1 frames while converting two of three save chances.
Apr 21 2022Bender (0-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Marlins fell 2-0 to the Cardinals, giving up two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander entered a 0-0 game in the top of the ninth and promptly struck out Paul Goldschmidt, but after walking Tyler O'Neill, Bender served up the game-winning homer to Nolan Arenado on a fastball that didn't get far enough inside to jam the third baseman. Bender has had a rough start to the season, posting an 8.31 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 4.1 innings, and while he's converted two of his three saves chances, his hold on the closer job for Miami seems very tenuous.
Apr 14 2022Bender allowed two hits but threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff single, but then induced a double-play from the next batter he faced. After allowing a second knock, Bender got Bryce Harper to fly out to end the game. Bender has allowed two earned runs across 3.1 frames to begin the season, but he has also also tallied two saves and is the team's clear closer for the time being.
Apr 13 2022Bender (0-1) took the loss Tuesday as the Marlins were downed 4-3 by the Angels, giving up one run on one walk in one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a tough way to lose a game. With the score tied 3-3 to begin the bottom of the ninth inning, Bender issued a one-out walk to Jack Mayfield, only for pinch runner Tyler Wade to steal second, move over to third on a wild pitch, then come home on a grounder that shortstop Miguel Rojas bobbled slightly. Bender is getting the opportunity to show he can be the Marlins' ninth-inning man while Dylan Floro (shoulder) is on the shelf, but so far he hasn't looked great, posting a 7.71 ERA and 1:1 K:BB through 2.1 innings over three appearances and converting only one of two save chances.
Apr 10 2022Bender gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After blowing his first save chance of the year Friday, Bender was right back on the mound with a lead on the line the next day, and this time he came through. It's reassuring that manager Don Mattingly didn't lose faith in the right-hander after one outing, and if Bender can keep getting the job done through the first couple weeks of the season, he could wind up keeping the closer role even after Dylan Floro (shoulder) comes off the injured list.
Apr 8 2022Bender struck out one and gave up a solo home run in an inning of work during Friday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Marlins put together a rally in the top of the ninth inning to take their first lead of the game and give Bender his first save opportunity of the season. Unfortunately, a Thairo Estrada solo shot sent the game to extras, and San Francisco pushed across the winning run in the 10th inning against Anthony Bass. Cole Sulser, another potential closing option for the Marlins, worked a scoreless seventh inning. Manager Don Mattingly seemed willing to give Bender a chance to establish himself prior to the season starting, but as he showed with Bass last year, he isn't afraid to make a quick switch in the ninth either.
Apr 7 2022Manager Don Mattingly said Thursday that Bender is Miami's "go-to-guy" in the ninth inning to start the season, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Dylan Floro is officially on the injured list due to shoulder tendinitis, which has opened the door for Bender to take over the closer's role. However, there is plenty of competition in the Miami bullpen, highlighted by Anthony Bass and Richard Bleier as well as the recently added Cole Sulser. With multiple options to turn to in the ninth inning, Bender will have to perform well if he hopes to maintain save chances while Floro is sidelined.
Mar 26 2022Bender could step in as the Marlins' closer early in the season since Dylan Floro is behind schedule in camp due to arm soreness, Joe Frisaro of ManOnSecondBaseball.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender made his major-league debut in 2021 and posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 61.1 innings across 60 appearances (one start). The right-hander converted three of five save chances while recording 12 holds during that time. It's possible that Bender will be able to carve out ninth-inning work early in the 2022 campaign.
Aug 21 2021Bender (2-2) allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in an inning of work, taking the loss in Saturday's 7-4 defeat against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender entered into a fresh inning charged with protecting a 2-2 ballgame. Protect it he did not, as the Reds brought seven men to the plate and scored four times. Even with this brutal outing, the rookie reliever still sports a tidy 3.18 ERA thanks to a streak of 21 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run to begin his career.
Aug 15 2021Bender recorded the save Saturday against the Cubs after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, fanning two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender had the task of closing things out with a one-run lead after the Marlins restored the lead in the bottom of the eighth, and he got the job done while needing just 13 pitches (seven strikes) to do so. The right-hander has gone 3-for-5 in save chances this season, and while he has given up runs in two of his last four appearances, it's worth noting he has allowed only two runs over his last 10 games.
Aug 5 2021Bender earned the save Thursday after holding the Mets to one run (unearned) on one hit and a walk while striking out one batter over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender was called upon to protect a three-run game in the ninth and worked around an error, a walk and pair of infield singles to hold onto the win for Miami. The 26-year-old has put together a solid season thus far with a 2.06 ERA and 0.92 WHIP across 39.1 innings and is expected to earn more save opportunities following Yimi Garcia's trade to the Astros.
Jul 22 2021Bender hit a batter and struck out one in a scoreless inning during Thursday's 3-2 loss to San Diego. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender was effective in the first inning as the opener ahead of Jordan Holloway. Thursday was Bender's first major-league start, and the scoreless inning lowered his ERA to 2.20 with a 0.92 WHIP and 41:8 K:BB through 32.2 innings overall. The 26-year-old has been an effective reliever, although he's picked up only one save, five holds and two blown saves across 32 appearances.
Jul 18 2021Bender (1-1) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk in one inning to take the loss against the Phillies on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender picked up his first major-league win July 7, but he's given up at least one run in four of his last five outings. Although the 26-year-old took the first loss of his major-league career Sunday, he's posted a 2.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 31.1 innings across 30 appearances this season.
Jul 8 2021Bender (1-0) struck out three but gave up a solo shot to Zach McKinstry in the ninth inning Wednesday, blowing the save but recording the win in a 9-6 victory. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Yimi Garcia having pitched the day before and three times in the prior four days, Bender got the nod in a save situation and couldn't get the job done, but a walkoff blast by Jesus Aguilar handed the right-hander his first big-league win. The rookie has forced himself into a high-leverage role with a 0.99 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB through his first 27.1 innings in the majors, and should Garcia be out of the picture for any significant length of time, Bender may well take over the ninth inning for the Marlins ahead of Dylan Floro or Anthony Bass.
Jul 5 2021Bender recorded a strikeout and didn't allow a hit or a walk during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-4 win over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Justin Turner reached via an error to open the frame, but Bender retired the next three batters with little fanfare to close out the victory. The right-hander notched the first save of his MLB career as closer Yimi Garcia pitched each of the past two days and surrendered four runs during Sunday's outing. Bender has a 0.68 ERA and 34:7 K:BB with five holds across 26.1 innings as he's putting together an impressive rookie campaign.
Jun 30 2021Bender gave up two runs on one hit and two walks in an inning of relief during Tuesday's loss to the Phillies. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The earned runs were the first the 26-year-old has allowed in the majors after beginning his career with a 0.00 ERA through his first 21.1 innings. With Adam Cimber now in Toronto, Bender could find himself working in more high-leverage spots, as he has only four holds through 22 appearances despite his impressive numbers.
May 4 2021Bender's contract was selected by the Marlins on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Bender has yet to pitch above Double-A and has only thrown 5.2 innings at that level. He looked quite good in 36.1 minor-league innings (ranging from Low-A to Double-A) in the Brewers' system in 2019, finishing with a 1.49 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Paul Campbell (suspension) landed on the restricted list in a corresponding move.
Mar 29 2021The Marlins informed Bender on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A relatively unheralded reliever who signed with the Marlins in November as a minor-league free agent, Bender made a serious run at a spot in Miami's Opening Day bullpen after tossing 8.1 scoreless frames while striking out 10 during the Grapefruit League season. The 26-year-old will likely head to Triple-A Jacksonville to begin the 2021 campaign after having previously made only four appearances above the High-A level.