Pirates Claim Dennis Santana, DFA Jose Hernandez

The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana off waivers from the New York Yankees. Left-hander Jose Hernandez has been designated for assignment.

Santana had been designated for assignment by the Yankees on Sunday. He made 23 appearances out of the bullpen with New York and went 0-2 with a 6.26 ERA. The 28-year-old totaled 27.1 innings pitched and allowed 27 hits, issued 10 walks and struck out 19 batters.

Santana made his major-league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2018 season and has spent time with the Mets and Rangers in addition to the Yankees and Dodgers in his seven-year career.

As a big-leaguer, Santana has gone 10-14 with a 5.34 ERA in 166 appearances. His career 4.21 FIP indicates he could be in line for better results, though he has been searching for consistent success throughout his career.

Hernandez was selected by the Pirates in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. The left-hander went 1-3 with a 4.97 ERA in 50 appearances as a rookie last season. He made seven appearances across several stints in the big leagues this season and went 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA.

The 26-year-old scuffled at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2024. Through 14 appearances, Hernandez owned a 7.04 ERA. Opponents collected 19 hits against him and the left-hander walked nine and struck out 21.

Additionally, the Pirates recalled right-handed pitcher Ryder Ryan from Indianapolis prior to Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.