Anthony Bender Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Marlins vs Mets game on Feb 21, 2026 with our Major League Baseball injury report.Sep 19, 2023
Facing hitters soon
Bender (elbow) is expected to progress to live batting practice sessions soon, MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2023
Steps back on mound
Bender (elbow) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session earlier this week, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2023
Throwing out to 120 feet
Bender (elbow) increased his flat-ground throwing Tuesday to 120 feet, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2023
Throwing again
The Marlins announced Monday that Bender (elbow) has resumed playing catch, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2023
Placed on 60-day IL
Bender (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Marlins on Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
Bender underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in September and will miss the entire 2023 season. Garrett Hampson has been added to the 40-man roster in Miami in a corresponding roster move.
Sep 2, 2022
Will begin rehab soon
Bender will begin his rehab process with Class-A Jupiter in a week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Undergoes Tommy John surgery
Bender (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Moves to 60-day IL
Bender (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Requires Tommy John surgery
Bender (elbow), who was placed on the injured list Sunday, will require Tommy John surgery, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Lands on injured list
Bender was placed on the injured list Sunday with a right elbow strain, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Exits Saturday's game
Bender (undisclosed) was removed from the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta after throwing five pitches, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Returns from injured list
Bender (back) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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 unclear if he'll get the chance to unseat current closer Tanner Scott right away.
Jul 24, 2022
Moves to 60-day IL
Bender (back) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Begins rehab assignment
Bender (back) began a rehab assignment with the Marlins' rookie-level Florida Coast League affiliate Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Making limited progress
Bender (back) resumed playing catch from 60 feet this week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Tosses another bullpen
Bender (back) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Throws bullpen session
Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Playing catch again
Bender (back) is scheduled to play catch Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Lands on injured list
Bender was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to May 23, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Collects win Tuesday
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Blows save in loss
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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 29, 2022
Another clean save
Bender got two outs while allowing one hit to pick up his fifth save of the season Friday against the Mariners.
ANALYSIS
It didn't seem like there would be a save situation until Shawn Armstrong gave up three runs while recording just one out to start off the top of the ninth inning. Bender has now converted three straight saves without allowing a run after scuffling out of the gates to start the season.
Apr 28, 2022
Notches fourth save
Bender gave up a hit and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings Wednesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Nationals.
ANALYSIS
After getting nearly a week off due to hip soreness, Bender appears to be 100 percent as he's pitched on back-to-back days, picking up saves in each appearance. The 27-year-old right-hander topped out at 98.4 mph with his power sinker, and while Dylan Floro (shoulder) is closing in on his return to the Marlins' bullpen, Bender could still have time to build up a little job security in the closer role.
Apr 27, 2022
Collects third save
Bender worked a perfect ninth inning Tuesday without a walk or strikeout to record his third save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Nationals.
ANALYSIS
The right-hander hadn't pitched since last Wednesday due to hip soreness, but Bender seemed healthy in this one as he needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to nail down the save. The 27-year-old still appears to be manager Don Mattingly's top option as closer for now, but with Dylan Floro (shoulder) closing in on his season debut, that could soon change.
Apr 24, 2022
Battling hip soreness
Bender didn't enter for Saturday's save opportunity due to hip soreness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Stuck with loss Wednesday
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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 15, 2022
Records second save
Bender allowed two hits but threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Phillies.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Stuck with loss Tuesday
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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 than 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, 2022
Racks up first save
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
Blows first save chance
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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, 2022
To get first shot at saves
Manager Don Mattingly said that Bender is the "guy-to-guy" in the ninth inning to start the season, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Dylan Floro is officially on the injured list due to shoulder tendonitis, which has opened the door for Bender to take over the closer 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, 2022
Could serve as interim closer
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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. While the 27-year-old is likely in line for a setup role once Floro is healthy, it's possible that the former will be able to carve out ninth-inning work early in the 2022 campaign.
Aug 21, 2021
Takes second loss
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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, 2021
Earns save Saturday
Bender recorded the save Saturday against the Cubs after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, fanning two.
ANALYSIS
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 also worth noting he only has allowed two runs over his last 10 games.
Aug 5, 2021
Picks up second save
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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 23, 2021
Scoreless inning as opener
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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 22, 2021
Opening Thursday's game
Bender will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher in Thursday's game against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
The newly recalled Jordan Holloway is expected to serve as the Marlins' primary bulk reliever behind Bender, who will be making his first career start in the big leagues. The 26-year-old rookie has only one save to his name, but he's arguably been the Marlins' most reliable reliever this season. Through 31 appearances spanning 31.2 innings, Bender has posted a 2.27 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 40:8 K:BB.
Jul 19, 2021
Takes first loss Sunday
Bender (1-1) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk in one inning to take the loss against the Phillies on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
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, 2021
Notches first win in MLB
Bender (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.
ANALYSIS
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 6, 2021
Secures first career save
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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, 2021
ERA no longer pristine
Bender 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.
ANALYSIS
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.