Ex-Yankees Reliever Takes a Swing at a Fan in Detroit

The Pirates have yet to comment on the incident, but Tigers officials confirmed the fan involved was ejected from the ballpark. According to The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, Detroit security removed the individual following the confrontation.

It’s unclear what sparked the outburst, but the scene added tension to what was already a chaotic day. Pittsburgh dropped the first game 9–2, and the second game was tied 4–4 in the ninth when weather forced a delay.

Santana, now in his second season with the Pirates, has quietly put together an impressive campaign. Through 31 appearances, the 28-year-old right-hander owns a 1.74 ERA with 25 strikeouts. He last pitched for the Yankees in 2024 during a brief stint that included nine outings and a 6.26 ERA.

This latest flare-up could draw the attention of MLB officials. Players confronting fans, even when provoked, rarely ends without consequences. This wasn’t the kind of headline Santana or the struggling Pirates needed. 

There’s no word yet on disciplinary action, but the league is likely to review the footage.