Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever Dennis Santana closed the door on the division-rival Cincinnati Reds in the 3-1 win at PNC Park on Wednesday for his fifth save of the season. Santana threw a scoreless inning to pick up his 10th hold of the year in Tuesday's win against the Reds while David Bednar picked up the save, but Pittsburgh gave Santana the nod in the save situation on Wednesday in the series finale. The 29-year-old didn't disappoint, throwing a scoreless inning with no walks and two strikeouts. Bednar had thrown in back-to-back days on Monday and Tuesday, but the closing situation in Pittsburgh appears to be a two-way committee between Bednar and Santana. It will be frustrating for fantasy purposes on a team that doesn't see many save situations, but Santana will remain valuable in holds leagues. Santana will be a prime trade candidate as the deadline approaches this summer.
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana has been activated from the bereavement list prior to Sunday's contest against the San Diego Padres. In a corresponding move, the Pirates have optioned right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas to Triple-A Indianapolis. Through his first 12 1/3 innings of the season, Santana has been a reliable high-leverage option out of the bullpen, holding a stellar 1.46 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. Across this stint, Santana has struck out just seven batters but has tallied three saves. While Santana was sidelined, David Bednar returned to the closer role, but given Bednar's early-season struggles, Santana could still be in the mix to see the majority of save situations. However, given the potential for a timeshare, he should only be started in deeper 12+ team formats.
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed right-hander Dennis Santana on the bereavement list on Tuesday, according to manager Derek Shelton. Right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton took Santana's spot on the active MLB roster. Santana will be away from the team for a few days but could be back and available to work in relief for Friday's series opener at PNC Park against the visiting San Diego Padres. While Santana is away from the Bucs for a few days, right-hander David Bednar should see any save chances that arise. Santana has been sharp so far in 2025 in his 13 relief appearances for the Pirates, allowing only three runs (two earned) on eight hits while walking three and striking out seven with three saves in 12 1/3 innings pitched. He should be back with the club at some point this weekend.
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana earned his second save of the season on Thursday afternoon during their victory over the Washington Nationals. Santana entered the game in the ninth inning and only needed to record two outs as Ryan Borucki started the inning. Santana retired both batters he faced. First, he got outfielder Dylan Crews to hit a ground out, and then proceeded to strike out infielder Luis Garcia Jr. With David Bednar being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Santana has emerged as the favorite for save opportunities in the Steel City. Through his first nine innings of the season, the 29-year-old right-hander has held a 2.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. He has struck out five batters but has generated a high 5.54 xERA, which suggests he could face some regression. Despite his underwhelming metrics, he is a viable target for saves in deeper formats.
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever Dennis Santana was handed the first save chance for the Pirates on Wednesday against the hosting Tampa Bay Rays since they demoted former closer David Bednar to the minors this week, and Santana capitalized by closing the door to earn his first save of 2025. The 28-year-old didn't allow a hit while walking one in his fourth appearance of the season. Colin Holderman pitched the eighth frame in the 4-2 victory and allowed a run. While things could change quickly in the back end of Pittsburgh's bullpen, Santana has to be considered the favorite for most of the team's save opportunities moving forward, so fantasy managers scrounging for saves in deeper leagues should take notice. After struggling to begin last year with the Yankees, Santana altered his approach and showed much better control in Pittsburgh.
The New York Mets claimed right-handed reliever Dennis Santana off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Friday. It's the second time Santana has been claimed off waivers before the 2023 season, as the Twins previously snagged him from the Atlanta Braves not long ago. The 26-year-old was with the Texas Rangers in 2022, posting a 5.22 ERA (3.35 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, one save, 28 walks and a career-high 54 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings over 63 appearances (one start). He will provide some more relief depth for the Mets after losing closer Edwin Diaz (knee) for what is likely to be the entire 2023 season. Santana can be avoided for fantasy purposes.
Texas Rangers pitcher Dennis Santana (ankle) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain Thursday. The move is retroactive to August 3, and he will miss at least the next two weeks. He owns a 5.09 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 33:18 K: BB over 40 2/3 innings in 2022. The Rangers bullpen takes another hit as both Joe Barlow (finger) and Santana are now on the injured list. Cole Ragans was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding move. The 24-year-old owned posted a 3.32 ERA, and 1.07 WHIP in 43.1 innings over eight Triple-A starts. Ragans is a speculative add in deep-league formats.
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Dennis Santana was traded to the Texas Rangers on Thursday for pitcher Kelvin Bautista, according to Rangers executive vice president of communications John Blake. Santana has not been particularly impressive early in his major league career, but he has struggled quite a bit this year as he owns a 6.00 ERA and 10.8 percent strikeout rate over 15 innings of work. Bautista has yet to pitch this year, but in 2019 he was 1-0 with a 2.48 ERA and 39 percent strikeout rate over 29 innings between the Arizona League and Dominican Summer League. As of now, Bautista looks to be the guy with the best potential value, but that's only in deep dynasty formats.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Dennis Santana was placed on the injured list on Saturday after not feeling well following one of his COVID-19 vaccine shots, according to manager Dave Roberts. Santana has an ugly 7.71 ERA in five appearances this season. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers called up infielder Matt Beaty. Santana is obviously well off the fantasy radar. Beaty hit just .220/.278/.360 in 21 games for the Blue last season, and he's slashing .167/.286/.167 with no home runs or RBI in 11 games (14 plate appearances) so far in 2021. But with Zach McKinstry, Chris Taylor and Gavin Lux all dealing with injuries, there's a chance Beaty could see some at-bats in the short term. He's starting in left field and batting sixth against right-hander Joe Musgrove and the San Diego Padres on Sunday.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect Dennis Santana (shoulder) will make a rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, according to a source. Santana has thrown just 49 2/3 innings on the season over 10 starts between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City this year due to injury, but he's sporting a nice 2.54 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 65 strikeouts. If Santana joins the Dodgers to close out the year, it'll be in a relief role.
Dennis Santana
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Pirates
