Bender looks to build on strong MLB debut

Anthony Bender was already looking ahead after making his Major League debut Wednesday night, followed by an impressive outing in the Marlins' 3-1 victory over the D-backs on Thursday. The Marlins are coming off a three-game sweep and now face a familiar opponent this weekend in the Brewers.

“Every outing at the beginning is going to be exciting,” said Bender. “I do know a couple of guys on the Brewers, but I think once you get out there that kind of goes away. I may get to [pregame] and say, 'Hey' to some of those guys.”

During the 2020 season, Bender played in the American Association for the Milwaukee Milkmen, leading them to a championship. He credits that time -- having something to play for and playing in front of fans -- with helping him gain a mental edge over other Minor Leaguers.

The Marlins are the third organization, after the Royals and Brewers, to give the righty reliever a chance to prove he belongs in the big leagues.

“To finally make it here and getting ready to make a debut is just amazing," said Bender before Wednesday’s game. “It's been quite the adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It just makes it that much more special. This is what you wait for, once you sign and get drafted.”

Being released gave Bender an underdog mentality, which helped him heading into this season's Spring Training, making him work harder and focus on the goal. His fastball velocity has seen an uptick close to 98 mph and he immediately impressed in Jupiter, Fla.

“All spring it was like, ‘Wow, like who is this guy and how did we get a hold of him?' Because his stuff is off the charts,” said manager Don Mattingly.

In two relief outings for the Marlins, Bender recorded three strikeouts and allowed one hit in two innings.

“I think you're starting to see a number of guys that you trust, and they're all throwing the ball pretty good,” said Mattingly of his bullpen. “So you feel like you're going to be able to protect guys, not overuse people. And [Bender’s] just going to be a part of that.”

The Marlins' bullpen has struggled so far this season; seven losses are credited to it and it is tied for the lowest save percentage in the National League (36 percent).

Injury updates

• Lewis Brinson (left middle finger soreness) wasn't in the starting lineup for Miami’s series opener against the Brewers on Friday. He started experiencing some tenderness in Thursday’s game, and was replaced by Magneuris Sierra.

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (left hamstring strain) has been taking batting practice and started defensive work. He is scheduled to run the bases and face live pitching sometime over the weekend.

• Starling Marte (rib fracture) is increasing his “rotational strengthening” and will begin more hitting progression.

• Jorge Alfaro (left hamstring strain) is catching bullpens and is expected to progress to live batting practice and running the bases.