Dennis Santana’s swing at a fan on Thursday night ended up being a costly one.
Major League Baseball announced on Friday that the Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Santana has been suspended for four games over his “aggressive conduct towards a fan.” Santana has also been fined an undisclosed amount by MLB, according to ESPN.
The right-hander Santana got into it from the bullpen with a fan at Comerica Park in Detroit, Mich. on Thursday during the second game of a doubleheader between the Pirates and the Detroit Tigers. The fan was in a seating area directly above the dugout and exchanged some words with Santana.
Viral video of the incident showed that Santana leapt up and attempted to hit the fan before being held back by a teammate and a security guard. You can see that video here.
“You guys know me, I’m a calm demeanor type of person,” Santana said after the game through a translator, per ESPN. “I’ve never had any issues for any of the teams I’ve played for. This guy crossed the line a few times.”
Santana, 29, has since appealed the suspension and thus remains eligible to play during the review process. He did not pitch on Friday against the Texas Rangers though as the Pirates went on to lose by a 6-2 final.
An eight-year MLB veteran, Santana has been one of Pittsburgh’s best relievers so far this season. He holds a 1.72 ERA with a 0.83 WHIP and 25 strikeouts through 32 total appearances. But assuming that the appeals process does not go in his favor, Santana will soon have to take an unpaid four-game vacation.
