Anthony Bender

Anthony Bender is scheduled for a 20 pitch bullpen session this Sunday. If all goes well, the next step would be a simulated game.

Fantasy Impact

Bender’s bullpen session will be the first step as he works his way off the IL with back stiffness. In 16 games this season, he is 1-3, with a 4.50 ERA, 8.36 K/9, 3.21 BB/9, and is 6-for-8 in save chances. Considering the save chances for Bender may be limited upon his return, he can be safely dropped.

Anthony Bender continues to play catch as he recovers from back stiffness.

Fantasy Impact

On the one hand, it's good that Bender is still throwing, but on the other, it's a bit disconcerting that he hasn't yet made it back to a mound considering he's dealing with just back stiffness. Even when he does return, it's far from clear that he'll be the Marlins' closer, so unless you have plenty of room in your IL slots, you can feel free to let Bender go.

Marlins reliever Anthony Bender is expected to play catch Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Bender was placed on the injured list on May 23 with back stiffness. He should be ready for a bullpen session soon assuming all goes well as he plays catch. He remains without a clear timetable to return.

Anthony Bender underwent an MRI on his ailing back that revealed only stiffness.

Fantasy Impact

This is obviously good news for Bender, who started the year as the Miami closer before his back issues led to ineffectiveness and him eventually being removed from the role. He's eligible to return from the IL in the second week of June and it sounds like that's a realistic possibility with the MRI results. If no other Marlins reliever grabs the closer's role in the interim, expect Bender to again be the ninth-inning option, so long as he can perform as he did early in the season.

The Miami Marlins placed reliever Anthony Bender on the 15-day IL with back stiffness. The move is retroactive to May 23rd.

Fantasy Impact

Bender has appeared in 16 games this season for the Marlins. He currently has a 4.50 ERA in 14 innings pitched.