Pirates' Dennis Santana Suspended 4 Games For 'Aggressive Conduct' Toward Fan on Video

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana has been suspended four games and fined an undisclosed amount following "his aggressive conduct towards a fan" at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, during the teams' game on Thursday, per an MLB press release.

Santana is appealing the decision, however, meaning the suspension is essentially on hold until a final ruling is made. Until that happens, Santana will be available to the team, and that's the case Friday evening at home against the Texas Rangers.

The Pirates and Tigers played a doubleheader on Thursday. Detroit won the opener 9-2, while Pittsburgh took the second game, 8-4, in 10 innings.

In the second contest, video captured Santana in the bullpen appearing to leap and attempt to take a swing at a fan standing on an elevated first row.

Santana ended up pitching in the game, entering the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at four. He got Zach McKinstry to fly out to center, but then a rain delay forced him out of the game.

After both teams returned, David Bednar relieved Santana and got the next two outs before the Pirates scored four in the 10th to help put the game away.

Reporters asked Santana about the incident after the game (h/t Dave Hogg of the Associated Press).

“You guys know me — I'm a calm demeanor type of person,” Santana said after the game via an interpreter. “I've never had any issues for any of the teams I've played for. This guy crossed the line a few times.”

Santana didn't reveal what the fan said, but it's clear he was upset by the alleged remarks.

“He crossed the line, and I'd like to leave it at that. I've never had anything like this happen in my eight years in baseball," Santana added.

The 29-year-old also said he spoke with manager Don Kelly on the matter.

“He knows I regret what I did," Santana said. "You know I'm a professional.”

Santana has pitched for eight seasons, and this is his second one with the Pirates, who selected him off waivers from the New York Yankees last June.

He's excelled for the Pirates this season, posting a 1.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in 32 games (31.1 innings).