DENVER – Marlins high-leverage reliever Anthony Bender landed on the 15-day injured list with a right shin stress reaction on Tuesday afternoon, but he's optimistic about a return at the start of the second half in mid-July.
This marks the second straight season a right leg injury has sidelined the right-handed Bender, who didn’t pitch after Aug. 17, 2025, due to a right tibial stress reaction.
Over the offseason, Bender visited a specialist who told him that he would continue to feel the discomfort depending on how much he pitched and how much stress went through the shin.
"I've been feeling it, been able to maintain it all season, and then been throwing a lot more, and it kind of just hit its threshold," Bender said. "So we're just going to give it a minute to calm down. [A] 15-day IL [stint] goes pretty much right into the All-Star break, and the plan is to be back hopefully right at the end of the break."
Miami opens its second half on July 17 in Milwaukee.
Through 35 outings this season, Bender has compiled a 2.62 ERA and a 0.961 WHIP with eight holds and two saves. Since April 20, he has allowed just three runs over 26 2/3 innings (1.01 ERA), spanning 26 appearances. Much of that success could be credited to MLB's most valuable pitch. Bender last pitched on Saturday in St. Louis, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless frames.
In Bender's absence, the Marlins will rely on others in high-leverage situations to bridge the gap to closer Pete Fairbanks. Righties Michael Petersen (team-high 13 holds) and Calvin Faucher (nine holds) have also been used in that capacity this season.
"There's no way to sugarcoat: Anthony's been terrific," manager Clayton McCullough said. "He has been one of our best relievers. He's probably one of the best relievers in baseball for the last six weeks or so. So, it's not about trying to replace what Anthony's done, but we have -- we feel like -- a lot of good pitchers that can go get outs whenever they're called upon."
Miami recalled righty Zach Brzykcy as the corresponding roster move for Bender. The club previously selected Brzykcy's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville last week, but he didn’t make his club debut.
In other injury news, the Marlins reinstated Liam Hicks (lower back strain) from the 10-day injured list.