September 2, 2024
Santana earned a save against the Cubs on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.
ANALYSISPittsburgh scored five runs across the eighth and ninth frames to build a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. With
David Bednar recently demoted from the closer role and
Aroldis Chapman handling the eighth inning, Santana was given the chance to close things out, and he succeeded by retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Bednar's demotion could be only temporary, but while he's handling lower-leverage situations Santana and Chapman appear to be the favorites to get any save chances that come along.