According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. San Diego Padres have officially completed the signing of former Miami Marlins pitcher Anthony Bender, just one hour ago. The news was confirmed by multiple sources within the Padres organization and comes at a critical moment as the team continues to bolster its bullpen depth ahead of the playoff push.
Anthony Bender, 29, brings a power arm and valuable experience to the Padres’ pitching staff. Known for his high-velocity fastball and sharp slider, Bender had shown flashes of dominance during his time with the Marlins, particularly during the 2021 season, when he posted a 2.79 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 61.1 innings. Though injuries limited his availability in the seasons that followed, his upside has never been in question.
Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller, widely known for his aggressive and strategic roster moves, expressed confidence in Bender’s potential during a brief media appearance.
“Anthony adds depth, toughness, and versatility to our bullpen,” Preller said. “We believe his best days are ahead of him and that he can make an immediate impact for us down the stretch.”
The details of the contract have not yet been publicly disclosed, but sources say it’s a short-term deal with performance incentives based on appearances and innings pitched. The Padres, who have been active in the trade and signing market in recent days, see Bender as a key piece in stabilizing a bullpen that has been inconsistent this season.
Fans in San Diego are hopeful that Bender can recapture the electric form he showcased earlier in his career. While he’s still working back to full strength following his recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2022, scouts have reported that his velocity is returning and his command continues to improve.
The Padres currently sit on the edge of the NL Wild Card race, and the addition of Bender could provide the much-needed boost to solidify their pitching staff. With the trade deadline looming and postseason hopes hanging in the balance, every move counts — and Preller’s latest signing sends a clear message that the Padres are not backing down from the playoff fight.
Bender is expected to report to the team immediately and could be available as soon as this week, depending on his physical and conditioning status. Padres fans will be watching closely to see if the hard-throwing righty can help deliver when it matters most.
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