Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana takes swing at fan above bullpen during game vs. Tigers

A closer angle from a fan in the same row also made the rounds on social media in the fallout of the incident. It’s unclear what provoked the Pirates pitcher, but the incident occurred as the teams were heading to a rain delay in game two of a doubleheader.

Despite the incident, the Pirates would call Santana’ number to record the final out in the ninth inning. He forced Detroit’s Zach McKinstry to fly out to center field. The Pirates would go on to take a four-run lead in the 10th inning and defeat the Pirates 8-4.

Santana is in his second season in Pittsburgh after being acquired on waivers after 23 appearances with the New York Yankees. He’s 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA across 70 total relief appearances for the Pirates over the last two seasons. Santana has also logged six saves during his Pirates stint. So far in 2025, Santana (2-1, 1.74 ERA) has 31 relief appearances for Pittsburgh this season.

Overall, Santana is in his eighth season in the MLB. His big league career began with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018. He’s played for the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Yankees before signing with the Pirates last June.

The Pirates avoided getting swept by the Tigers with the victory, who have the best record (48-27) in the MLB so far this season. Pittsburgh will head back to PNC Park for a three-game set with the Rangers beginning on Friday before heading back out on the road to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a series between NL Central rivals.

Pittsburgh improves to 30-46 heading into the Rangers series. They’re 16 games back from the top spot in the division.