Dennis Santana notches 1st save with Pirates as club explores committee approach at closer

The first save situation for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the aftermath of usual closer David Bednar’s demotion followed a predictable script.

Manager Derek Shelton removed Bednar from the closer’s role Aug. 30 amid a season of struggles, and the next day, the Pirates took a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth against the Cleveland Guardians.

Looking to shut the door, it just so happened Shelton had someone close at hand who had only done so 325 times previously in a potential Hall of Fame career: Aroldis Chapman.

Chapman recorded a pair of strikeouts and earned save No. 326, preserving the lead and securing the victory for his club.

For as much of a no-brainer as it would seem to just insert Chapman as closer for however long Bednar is out of the role, Shelton had initially suggested that the Pirates would undertake more of a committee approach to the ninth inning moving forward.

What’s more, Chapman has been valuable this year as the eighth-inning setup man.

“It doesn’t feel like I’m the closer of this team,” Chapman said post-win over Cleveland through interpreter and Pirates coach Stephen Morales. “I told (Shelton) in a conversation the other day about me being ready from the seventh through the ninth innings, and I’m just going to do my job until our closer gets back. Hopefully, (Bednar) gets back quick and it’ll be all good.”

That’s the role Shelton had in mind for Chapman on Monday night in Chicago, when the Pirates rallied to take a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth.

On to the mound came Chapman, who issued a walk but preserved the lead, recording three flyouts in a scoreless frame.

The effort gave Chapman his 22nd hold (a career-high) of the year.

After the Pirates added an insurance run to lead 5-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, Shelton selected Dennis Santana to close things out.

Santana, who was designated for assignment by the New York Yankees in June, has been a pleasant surprise for the Pirates since they scooped him off waivers.

Entering Monday’s game, through 27 appearances with the Pirates, he had produced a 3.09 ERA (in stark contrast from the 6.26 ERA he had in New York), becoming a valued member of the bullpen.

Protecting a two-run lead against the Cubs, Santana retired Isaac Paredes on a lineout, with the ball deflecting off Santana’s glove right into the orbit of second baseman Nick Gonzales, who recorded the out.

After Nico Hoerner grounded out, Santana struck out Dansby Swanson to end the game and pick up save No. 1 with the Pirates.

DENNIS SANTANA. CURTAINS.

RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER BABY pic.twitter.com/2ZumBPIkOW

— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) September 3, 2024

“He did a nice job,” Shelton said after Monday’s win. “Over the last month, take out (Chapman) and Dennis has probably been our best reliever. He’s done a really nice job.”

Santana had recorded nine previous saves in an MLB career that dates back to 2018.

Earlier this year with the Yankees, Santana went 2 for 2 in save opportunities.

Moving forward, Chapman will remain a go-to option in save situations.

Santana, who pairs a solid slider with a four-seam fastball and cutter, fits the bill from a repertoire perspective as a pitcher who could do well in the ninth inning.

The same could be said of fellow righty Kyle Nicolas, who is only 25 but has a fastball that regularly hits 98 mph.

Bednar not being at his best and out of the closer’s role is certainly not ideal for the Pirates, but in his absence, Shelton has several options to explore.