Pirates' Santana takes swing at fan in bullpen

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana took a swing at a fan while in the Comerica Park bullpen during Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers.

Video captured from the stands shows Santana and the fan exchanging words before the pitcher leaped up to try to hit the spectator. He was then restrained and ushered away from the stands by other members of the Pirates.

Santana suggested that the fan made remarks during the second game of Thursday's doubleheader that sparked his anger, though he declined to go into specifics about what was said.

"You guys know me, and I'm a calm demeanor type of person. I've never had any issues for any of the teams that I've played for," Santana told reporters, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I guess the guy crossed the line a few times, but I would not like to go into it (further)."

Shortly after the incident, Santana took the mound to pitch the bottom of the ninth in a 4-4 game. However, he only threw one-third of an inning before the contest entered a rain delay. Pittsburgh removed Santana for David Bednar once play resumed.

Santana has been a nice surprise out of the Pirates' bullpen this season, posting a 1.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and five saves in 32 appearances. The 29-year-old spent several years as a journeyman before joining Pittsburgh as a waiver claim last June.