Dennis Santana

Dennis Santana pitched the eighth inning on Tuesday and allowed one hit to preserve a 6-3 lead and earn his first hold of the season. The Pirates went on to win by an 8-3 final over the Reds.

Fantasy Impact

Santana pitched the eighth inning and Gregory Soto tossed the ninth in, what turned out to be, a non-save situation. Santana has now pitched in four of Pittsburgh's first five games, but the fact that he was used in the eighth signifies that the closer's role is certainly not solely his. It's an interesting situation to monitor over the next few games.

Dennis Santana pitched a perfect ninth inning, recording one strikeout, to earn the win as the Pirates defeated the Mets, 4-3 in 10 innings, on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Santana has now pitched an inning in all three games for the Pirates this season. He was called upon to preserve a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning on Sunday and pitched a 1-2-3 frame with a strikeout. Santana has pitched three scoreless, hitless innings this season with a 2:2 K:BB ratio. Jose Urquidy earned the save in the 10th inning on Sunday. Manager Don Kelly has stated that Santana won't be the full-time closer, but he still should earn a majority of the save opportunities in Pittsburgh this season.

Pirates manager Don Kelly said Dennis Santana won't be the only reliever closing games for the team.

Fantasy Impact

Santana totaled 16 saves last season with 10 of them coming after David Bednar was traded. "(Gregory) Soto has closed, we've got guys on the back end that can handle it with the stuff they have," Kelly said. "I think, as we look at the matchups and try to figure out what's the best position to put all these guys in, that leverage spot that we need Santana may be in the eighth inning."

The Pirates agreed to terms with RHP Dennis Santana on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Fantasy Impact

Santana is coming off a strong season where he posted a 2.18 ERA with 16 saves. He should head into next season as the closer for Pittsburgh.

Dennis Santana struck out two batters while allowing one hit in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's win over the Braves.

Fantasy Impact

The right-hander continues a steady stretch out of the bullpen, holding opponents scoreless in 10 of his last 12 appearances for the Pirates. After yesterday’s game, Santana boasts a 2.18 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 16 saves across 70 appearances this season.