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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.
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Pirates' Dennis Santana: DFA'd by Pittsburgh
Rotowire
The Pirates designated Santana for assignment Thursday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The move frees a spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters for the addition of Ron Marinaccio. Santana began 2026 high in the Pirates' bullpen hierarchy and was in the closer mix, but he has struggled with consistency all season and had allowed 10 runs in 7.1 innings this month. It's possible he'll draw interest via waivers, though his $3.5 million salary could be a deterrent for some clubs.
Pirates' Dennis Santana: Ugly showing in extra-inning loss
Rotowire
Santana (2-3) allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits without recording an out to take the loss Friday against the Phillies.
Santana worked the 10th inning, following Gregory Soto, who blew a three-run lead one frame prior. Santana allowed a leadoff double and three consecutive singles before being pulled, and he's now allowed multiple earned runs in three of his last seven appearances. He also hasn't logged a save since April 15 and isn't likely to see many chances in the near future given his current form.
Santana threw a scoreless seventh inning while walking one to earn a hold Thursday against the Diamondbacks.
Santana blew a save and allowed four earned runs on April 27 and has not gotten a save chance in three appearances since. Meanwhile, Gregory Soto has earned two saves in that span, both of which have come in Pittsburgh's last two games. While the closer situation has been fluid between Soto and Santana early on this season, Santana has allowed at least one run in four of his last 10 appearances and has only a 5.4 K/9 across 16.2 innings on the campaign.
Pirates' Dennis Santana: Collapses in loss, blown save
Rotowire
Santana (2-2) was charged with the loss and a blown save Monday against the Cardinals, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
Brought on to protect a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning, Santana served up a pair of home runs Monday en route to coughing up a season-high four runs. The right-hander has converted just two of his four save chances so far, but he still has a quality 3.29 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 13.2 innings in spite of Monday's meltdown. That said, the door is open for Gregory Soto to claim more ninth-inning work in Pittsburgh's closer committee.
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