The Pirates released Santana on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Santana passed through waivers unclaimed after being scrubbed from the Pirates' 40-man roster. The Pirates are responsible for what remains of Santana's $3.5 million salary, and the reliever should latch on with a new organization quickly now that he can be signed to a prorated veteran minimum contract. Santana holds a 6.05 ERA and 37:21 K:BB over 41.2 innings in the majors this season.