Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana has received a four-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball due to what the league described as “aggressive conduct toward a fan” during Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Santana is currently appealing the suspension and remains eligible to pitch in Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers.
The altercation happened during the second game of a doubleheader. In the seventh inning, Santana was captured on video by fans in the left-field stands appearing to reach up and swipe at a spectator positioned above the visitors’ bullpen. According to The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, the fan involved was ejected from the stadium following the incident.
Santana stayed in the game and pitched the ninth inning, which was interrupted by a lengthy rain delay with the score tied 4-4. He recorded one out before being replaced by David Bednar once play resumed. The Pirates went on to defeat the Tigers 8-4, earning a split of the doubleheader.
After the game, Santana spoke about the altercation, saying the fan “crossed the line multiple times.”
“You all know me — I’m a calm person,” Santana said through team translator Stephen Morales, via the Associated Press. “I’ve never had issues with any teams I’ve played for. But this guy really went too far.”
While he didn’t reveal exactly what the fan said to provoke him, Santana did share that he expressed regret over the situation to Pirates manager Don Kelly.
Despite the controversy, Santana is in the midst of a breakout season, posting a 1.72 ERA and recording five saves across 32 appearances. He has struck out 25 batters and walked just five in 31 1/3 innings, making him a potential trade target for playoff contenders ahead of the deadline.
The four-game suspension aligns with past MLB precedent, including a similar penalty given to Angels infielder Anthony Rendon two years ago for grabbing a fan by the shirt during a postgame incident. Rendon’s original five-game suspension was later reduced to four on appeal.