MLB news

The 31-year-old right-hander did brilliant work for the Marlins this season, posting a 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and a 41/12 K/BB ratio over 34 1/3 innings of work. He should be fully recovered and ready to go for the start of the 2027 season.

No word yet regarding how much time Bender will miss. It’s another hit to Miami’s high-leverage relief depth as Bender has been a valuable bridge to closer Pete Fairbanks. The 31-year-old has notched a pair of saves along with a pristine 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 41/12 K/BB ratio across 34 1/3 innings of work this season.

The save was the 16th of his career as the Marlins defeated the Rays 4-1. Pete Fairbanks imploded in a 39-pitch appearance on Saturday, so he was unavailable for the series finale. Bender got the job done and could see additional ninth-inning opportunities depending on how Fairbanks pitches from here. Some of Fairbanks’ underlying metrics are promising, but teams can only stick with a closer carrying a 7.41 ERA for so long.

Bender came in with two runners on and one out, and the inherited runners from an otherwise-brilliant Sandy Alcantara both scored; one on a sac fly, one on a wild pitch. Pete Fairbanks is expected back shortly from the paternity list, and will resume closing duties once that takes place.

Bender was closing in place of Pete Fairbanks, who pitched the first ahead of his paternity leave stint. Lucky for him, he had a three-run lead before walking two and giving up a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. with two outs. He then intentionally walked Austin Wells before striking out J.C. Escarra, pinch-hitting for José Caballero, to end the game. Bender threw 31 pitches today on the heels of 15 on Saturday, so he’ll need Monday off. Calvin Faucher will also need a break, so Tyler Phillips might be in line to close.

Bender recently had a flareup as he continues his recovery from a right tibia stress reaction, so the Marlins are bringing him along slowly. He’ll continue to work on the side in pitch design sessions before progressing to facing live hitters later on in camp. There’s still plenty of time for him to get ready before Opening Day.

Bender doubles his 2025 salary of $1.4 million, with an extra $10,000 cherry on top. This makes him the Marlins’ third highest paid player behind Sandy Alcantara ($17.3 million) and Pete Fairbanks ($13 million). Bender had a 2.16 ERA in 50 innings last season and is at 3.04 over 183 2/3 innings since debuting in 2021. He’ll contend for the eighth-inning role if he isn’t dealt.