Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana faces a four-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball after an incident involving a fan during Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. MLB cited Santana for "aggressive conduct toward a fan" from the visitors' bullpen.
Santana is appealing the suspension, allowing him to play in Friday's game against the Texas Rangers. The incident occurred during the second game of a doubleheader. Video footage shows Santana reaching up to slap at a fan above the bullpen in the seventh inning. The fan was subsequently ejected from the ballpark, according to reports.
Despite the altercation, Santana remained in the game and was the pitcher of record in the ninth inning when a rain delay halted play. He pitched one-third of an inning before being relieved. The Pirates ultimately won 8-4, splitting the doubleheader with the Tigers.
Following the game, Santana stated that the fan "crossed the line a few times," emphasizing his typically calm demeanor. He didn't elaborate on the specific comments that provoked him but mentioned expressing regret to Pirates manager Don Kelly.
This suspension comes during what has been Santana's best season. He boasts a 1.72 ERA and five saves in 32 appearances, with 25 strikeouts and five walks in 31 1/3 innings. His performance makes him a potential trade target for playoff-contending teams.
Tommy Pham's Verbal Altercation
Adding to the eventful game, Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham was involved in a verbal altercation with three Detroit Tigers fans seated in the Home Plate Club. All three fans were ejected. The incident occurred in the 10th inning, though details of the exchange remain unclear as Pham declined to comment.
Tigers catcher Jake Rogers acknowledged hearing the shouting match, describing it as sudden and surprising. An MLB spokesperson stated that the umpires and security ejected the fans due to "inappropriate comments" aimed at protecting the player.
Other Ejections
In total, four fans and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch were ejected during Game 2. Hinch's ejection stemmed from arguing a replay review decision.