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.