Bender (back) began a rehab assignment with the Marlins' rookie-level Florida Coast League affiliate Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender has been sidelined since late May due to his back injury, but it's encouraging that he's now been cleared to return to game action. His rehab assignment will shift to Single-A Jupiter on Sunday, and he'll likely be in the mix to rejoin the Marlins shortly after the All-Star break.

Bender (back) resumed playing catch from 60 feet this week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender had been throwing bullpen sessions as recently as mid-June, but he appears to have regressed in his recovery from the back injury at some point over the past three weeks. Though the right-hander is at least throwing again in some capacity, he still has several more hurdles to clear before the Marlins will entertain bringing him back from the 15-day injured list. Bender doesn't look on pace to be activated before the All-Star break.

Bender (back) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender threw 15 pitches off a mound Thursday and slightly increased his pitch count during Sunday's throwing session. He apparently felt good afterward, as he's expected to throw in a simulated game soon. The right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to rejoin the Marlins but has made good progress recently.

Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender resumed playing catch last week, but he was able to throw off a mound Thursday. The right-hander exclusively threw fastballs during the bullpen session, but it was a significant step forward in his recovery process. Assuming he continues to ramp up his workload in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to game action action at some point next week.

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.