MOORHEAD, MINN. – The Sioux City Explorers have sold the contract of RHP Anthony Bender to the Boston Milwaukee Brewers organization, the American Association announced Friday, May 24. Bender is the 20th American Association player to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization in 2019, and the 40th since the start of the 2018 season.
Bender joined the Explorers after spending the past three seasons in the Kansas City Royals’ organization. The righty tossed 3.2 scoreless innings for the Explorers in two relief appearances striking out three, allowing one walk, and three hits.
Bender began his professional career after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The California native reached the High-A level twice in his time with the Royals’ organization. In 2018, Bender made nine starts and 21 relief appearances for the Wilmington Blue Rocks (A+), going 6-3 with a 3.57 ERA over 93.1 innings pitched.