Bender hit a batter and struck out one in a scoreless inning during Thursday's 3-2 loss to San Diego. He did not factor in the decision.
Bender was effective in the first inning as the opener ahead of Jordan Holloway. Thursday was Bender's first major-league start, and the scoreless inning lowered his ERA to 2.20 with a 0.92 WHIP and 41:8 K:BB through 32.2 innings overall. The 26-year-old has been an effective reliever, although he's picked up only one save, five holds and two blown saves across 32 appearances.