Milwaukee Brewers
On April 12,2019,Bender signed with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. [3] After pitching 3+2⁄3 scoreless innings for Sioux City, on May 29, the Milwaukee Brewers signed him to a minor league contract. [4] Bender played for the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the High-A Carolina Mudcats, and the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers, accumulating a 1.49 ERA in 29 appearances. After the minor league season was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, [5] Bender joined the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association for the 2020 season. Bender pitched to a 5.48 ERA with 25 strikeouts with the Milkmen in 2020, and won the American Association championship with the club. [6] On November 2, 2020, Bender elected free agency. [7]
Miami Marlins
On November 30, 2020, Bender signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. [8] On May 4, 2021, Bender was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. [9] [10] He made his debut the next day, pitching a scoreless inning of relief. In the game, he notched his first MLB strikeout, punching out Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro. He did not allow an earned run until his 22nd appearance in the majors. [11] He finished his rookie campaign with a 3–2 record and 2.79 ERA with 71 strikeouts across 60 appearances.
In 2022, Bender pitched in 22 games for Miami, recording a 1–3 record and 3.26 ERA with 17 strikeouts and 6 saves in 19.1 innings of work. He was placed on the injured list in August with a right elbow strain. On August 30, 2022, Bender underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his 2022 season and 2023 seasons. [12]
