Dennis Santana, Involved in Incident with Fan in Detroit
Dominican pitcher Dennis Santana was involved in an incident in the Comerica Park bullpen during the second game of the doubleheader between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers. The incident occurred in the seventh inning, when Santana tried to assault a spectator, arguing that he “crossed the line”. Santana, with eight seasons in the Major Leagues and no prior incidents of this type, explained that it all began with an exchange of words with a fan in the stands near the bullpen. Despite the proximity of security personnel, the pitcher reacted and tried to reach the fan.The altercation was quickly controlled by Venezuelan bullpen coach Miguel Pérez and bullpen catcher, also Venezuelan, Raúl Hernández. Both separated Santana from the fan. Subsequently, Santana returned to the mound to pitch a third of an inning in the ninth inning before the rain forced the game to be suspended. Pirates manager Don Kelly indicated that he was still “gathering all the facts” and did not offer further details on possible sanctions. For his part, Santana admitted to having spoken with his leader and acknowledged his mistake.You know me, and you know I’m a calm person. I’ve never had problems with any of the teams I’ve played for, and I think the guy crossed the line several times. I don’t want to give more details.
Dennis Santana
The incident wasn’t the only one involving fans during the double-header. In the tenth inning, outfielder Tommy Pham was also involved in an exchange of words with Detroit fans. An MLB spokesperson called the comments “inappropriate” and confirmed the ejection of a spectator.The league office still has to decide whether to impose any disciplinary sanctions on Santana. So far, the Dominican pitcher has not been suspended in his Major League career.I told him I am sorry for what I did.
Dennis Santana
