Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana was seen in an altercation with fans at Comerica Park on Thursday in various videos posted to social media.
Santana, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who’s in his second season with Pittsburgh, appeared to reach up to swing at a fan while he was in the bullpen. A security guard stood next to Santana as the incident occurred, and he was then separated from the fans and walked away.
Here’s a look at the altercation between Santana and a fan with the Pirates on the road against the Tigers on Thursday.
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Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana tries to punch Tigers fan
In various videos posted to social media on Thursday night, Santana was seen in the bullpen at Comerica Park, where fans can overlook the players from above. While they’re not directly next to the players, they’re close enough to speak to and interact with the pitchers.
It’s unclear what was said to trigger Santana’s response, but the pitcher was recorded leaping up toward the stands while reaching to swing at a fan who appeared to be in a yellow Pirates jersey. A security guard was in the bullpen during the incident, and immediately after, coaches and teammates came over to break it up.
Santana then walked down the stairs, away from the bullpen.
Dennis Santana is swinging at fans from the bullpen pic.twitter.com/cah20Ohtis
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 20, 2025
Another angle of the incident was also posted, where Santana clearly points at an individual fan before attempting to hit them.
Dennis Santana are we serious???? @espn pic.twitter.com/8XywEyTZtO
— Spencer Torkelson Believer (@TorkBeliever) June 20, 2025
Santana was originally claimed off waivers by the Pirates during the 2024 season, and he’s been with the team since. Prior to then, the pitcher had played for four other teams, including the Yankees earlier in the 2024 season. He’s had a 1.74 ERA over 31.0 innings for Pittsburgh in 2025 entering Thursday’s game.
