Anthony Bender

BIOGRAPHY

Anthony Bender was born February 3, 1995, in Petaluma, California. He is a pitcher in the MLB.

Bender was drafted with 613th pick in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals out of Santa Rosa Junior College. Bender made his professional debut for the Rookie League Arizona League Royals. He split the 2017 season between the Class A Lexington Legends, and the Class A-Advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks, recording a cumulative 5-6 record and 3.96 ERA. He spent the entire 2018 season in Wilmington, recording a 3.57 ERA and 6-3 record in 30 appearances.

On November 30, 2020, Bender signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. On May 4, 2021, Bender was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. 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.

On November 30, 2020, Bender signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. On May 4, 2021, Bender was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. 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.