Bender (back) is scheduled to play catch Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the first known throwing activity for Bender since the Marlins placed him on the 15-day injured list May 25. He may not be ready to return to the active roster when first eligible next Monday, but the fact that Bender isn't being shut down bodes well for his chances of avoiding an extended absence. Once he's activated, Bender could re-emerge as a factor in the Marlins' still-unsettled closer picture.

Bender was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to May 23, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender hasn't pitched since May 18, and he's apparently been dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of action. He'll be sidelined until at least early June, while Cole Sulser, Dylan Floro and Anthony Bass should continue to see the majority of high-leverage work in Bender's absence.

Bender (1-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Nationals, giving up two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief.

EDGE Analysis

While the win is nice, it's a little concerning for his long-term fantasy outlook than Bender entered a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. The right-hander has yet to record a save in May after reeling off four in five days at the end of April, and while Dylan Floro has struggled since coming off the injured list, Bender's usage Tuesday suggests he might be moving into a high-leverage role and out of the ninth inning. On the season, he carries a 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 14 innings while converting six of eight save chances.

Bender (0-3) was charged with a blown save and the loss Wednesday against Arizona after giving up two runs on two hits with two strikeouts and zero walks during the ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander entered for the top of the ninth with a 7-6 lead and struck out the first batter he faced, but Daulton Varsho reached on a single and Pavin Smith followed with a two-run home run. Bender came into the contest having converted four straight saves while not allowing a run in his past four appearances, but he got bit by the Diamondbacks. The 27-year-old is 6-for-8 in save opportunities and has a 5.79 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB across 9.1 innings this season, and his run as Miami's primary closer could be near an end with Dylan Floro (shoulder) on a rehab assignment and close to returning from the injured list.

Bender got two outs while allowing one hit to pick up his fifth save of the season Friday against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

It didn't seem like there would be a save situation until Shawn Armstrong gave up three runs while recording just one out to start off the top of the ninth inning. Bender has now converted three straight saves without allowing a run after scuffling out of the gates to start the season.

Bender gave up a hit and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings Wednesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

After getting nearly a week off due to hip soreness, Bender appears to be 100 percent as he's pitched on back-to-back days, picking up saves in each appearance. The 27-year-old right-hander topped out at 98.4 mph with his power sinker, and while Dylan Floro (shoulder) is closing in on his return to the Marlins' bullpen, Bender could still have time to build up a little job security in the closer role.

Bender worked a perfect ninth inning Tuesday without a walk or strikeout to record his third save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander hadn't pitched since last Wednesday due to hip soreness, but Bender seemed healthy in this one as he needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to nail down the save. The 27-year-old still appears to be manager Don Mattingly's top option as closer for now, but with Dylan Floro (shoulder) closing in on his season debut, that could soon change.

Bender didn't enter for Saturday's save opportunity due to hip soreness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury apparently cropped up during his last outing Wednesday against St. Louis, when he took the loss after giving up two runs on a hit with a strikeout and a walk over one inning. Bender is apparently feeling better, but the Marlins will remain cautious with his return. Tanner Scott picked up the save Saturday, as Miami's closing situation remains wide open with Dylan Floro (shoulder) still on the injured list. Bender has struggled early in the campaign and has an 8.31 ERA over 4.1 frames while converting two of three save chances.

Bender (0-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Marlins fell 2-0 to the Cardinals, giving up two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two in the ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander entered a 0-0 game in the top of the ninth and promptly struck out Paul Goldschmidt, but after walking Tyler O'Neill, Bender served up the game-winning homer to Nolan Arenado on a fastball that didn't get far enough inside to jam the third baseman. Bender has had a rough start to the season, posting an 8.31 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 4.1 innings, and while he's converted two of his three saves chances, his hold on the closer job for Miami seems very tenuous.

Bender allowed two hits but threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Bender was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff single, but then induced a double-play from the next batter he faced. After allowing a second knock, Bender got Bryce Harper to fly out to end the game. Bender has allowed two earned runs across 3.1 frames to begin the season, but he has also also tallied two saves and is the team's clear closer for the time being.