The Pittsburgh Pirates temporarily will be without one of their top relievers, as righty Dennis Santana was placed on the bereavement list Tuesday afternoon as the club begins a six-game homestand with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.

Santana, 29, is 0-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 0.89 WHIP this season through 13 appearances.

In 12 1/3 innings, he has struck out seven with three walks, collecting four holds and three saves.

Players on the bereavement list must miss a minimum of three and maximum of seven games.

In a corresponding move, right-hander Hunter Stratton was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The 28-year-old is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA over 10 relief appearances at Triple-A this season.

In 2024, Stratton became a regular member of the Pirates bullpen in his most extended major-league campaign, going 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA through 36 games.

But in late August, he suffered a season-ending injury, rupturing his left patella tendon.

Stratton’s recovery kept him sidelined for most of spring training, but he did make one Grapefruit League outing, pitching a scoreless frame March 22 vs. the Baltimore Orioles.

With the Indians this season, Stratton has pitched 11 2/3 innings, walking four with nine strikeouts.

Note: The Pirates also announced that 29-year-old right-hander Dauri Moreta, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is beginning a rehab assignment with the Low-A Bradenton Marauders.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)