Former Dodgers Top Prospect Designated for Assignment by Yankees
Former top prospect and relief pitcher Dennis Santana, who was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been designated for assignment by the New York Yankees and subsequently claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Santana pitched in two of the three games against the Dodgers this past weekend, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and recording three strikeouts over two innings with 51 pitches. His tenure in New York was less than stellar, with a 6.26 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 19 strikeouts, and a .262 opponent batting average. The 28-year-old will now enter the waiver process.
Santana was signed by the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2013 and quickly rose through their farm system, becoming their No. 10 prospect in 2018, ahead of notable players like Dustin May, Gavin Lux, and Caleb Ferguson. He made his MLB debut in June 2018, earning a win in relief despite giving up five runs on six hits over 3.2 innings against the Colorado Rockies.
The Dominican Republic native spent over three seasons with the Dodgers, compiling a 2-2 record, 6.42 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 40.2 innings across 32 games. He was designated for assignment by the Dodgers in June 2021.
After his time with the Dodgers, Santana had stints with the Texas Rangers and New York Mets before signing a minor league contract with the Yankees before the 2024 season.
