Dennis Santana DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.