Bender could step in as the Marlins' closer early in the season since Dylan Floro is behind schedule in camp due to arm soreness, Joe Frisaro of ManOnSecondBaseball.com reports.
Bender made his major-league debut in 2021 and posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 61.1 innings across 60 appearances (one start). The right-hander converted three of five save chances while recording 12 holds during that time. It's possible that Bender will be able to carve out ninth-inning work early in the 2022 campaign.