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A close-up video has come out of Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana appearing to swing at a fan from the bullpen during the second game of a doubleheader between the Detroit Tigers and Pirates on Thursday, June 19.
Footage of the incident first started to trickle out Thursday night from quite a few rows away, and shortly after, video from a person standing right by the fan Santana appeared to swing at started going viral on social media.
The fan involved, who was wearing a yellow No. 21 Pirates jersey (typically associated with franchise legend Roberto Clemente), was ejected from the game.
On Friday, June 20, Santana was suspended for four games by MLB for “aggressive conduct toward a fan.” The suspension was slated to begin Friday with the Pirates’ home game against the Texas Rangers, but Santana is appealing, blocking the suspension until the appeal is heard.
In a post-game press conference, Santana said the fan “crossed a line,” but didn’t discuss what the fan said that triggered the incident.
“You guys know me, I’m a calm demeanor-type of person,” Santana said through a translator after the game. “I’ve never had any issues for any of the teams that I’ve played for. And I guess the guy crossed the line a few times, but I would not like to go into it.”
Santana only swung once and didn’t appear to make contact with the fan. A coach and Pirates bullpen catcher Raúl Hernández restrained Santana from the altercation.
Pirates manager Don Kelly did not comment on what transpired.
Santana entered the game in the ninth inning to pitch to Zach McKinstry, and was replaced after a rain delay. The Pirates ended up winning the game 8-4 in 10 innings.
Neither the Pirates nor MLB has reportedly taken any disciplinary action against Santana, who is in his eighth MLB season after debuting with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 1, 2018. Santana is one of the team’s top players by Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (1.4), trailing only team ace Paul Skenes (4.3).
This wasn’t the only incident between fans and a Pirates player on Thursday at Comerica Park, with three Tigers fans ejected in the 10th inning after a heated exchange with Pirates batter Tommy Pham.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was also ejected from the game after arguing a controversial call at home plate involving Pham in the 10th inning.
Santana was suspended four games by Major League Baseball on Friday for the incident. Santana is appealing the suspension.
This story was updated with breaking news.
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com