Anthony

Bender

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.

Fairbanks heads to the shelf after leaving Monday’s save situation against the Dodgers with a nerve-related issue in his right thumb. There’s optimism he won’t require a lengthy absence, but he’s going to be out until at least mid-May. The logical candidates to handle the ninth inning role in his absence are Calvin Faucher, Anthony Bender and Tyler Phillips. It’ll likely be a closer-by-committee situation.

Fairbanks has Reynaud’s Syndrome, which leads to poor blood flow to his fingers in cold weather, but no word yet if tonight’s issue was related to that. Fairbanks wound up being charged with three runs in one-third of an inning and took his second loss tonight. If he’s forced to the IL, then Tyler Phillips, Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender could be candidates for saves.

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.

Congrats to Pete and his growing family. He will likely be out for the next three days before returning to the team. Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender should close while Fairbanks is out.

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.

This rules out Bender for the rest of the year with his right tibia stress reaction. He had a 2.16 ERA in 50 innings before landing on the injured list two weeks ago.

It certainly sounds like Bender could be facing a lengthy absence given the nature of the leg injury. The 30-year-old righty has been a key component of Miami’s relief mix this season with four saves to go along with a pristine 2.16 ERA across 50 innings (51 appearances).