Lengthy suspensions handed out to members of wild Angels-Braves brawl that saw fists, tackles
MLB suspends Soler, Lopez 7 games for Angels-Braves brawl
Major League Baseball suspended Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez each for seven games for their roles in a benches-clearing brawl during Tuesday's game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The incident occurred in the fifth inning on April 7, 2026, after Lopez threw a pitch up and in on Soler. Soler charged the mound, exchanged punches with Lopez, and was tackled to the ground by Braves manager Walt Weiss.
Both players were ejected immediately. Soler received a standing ovation from Angels fans as he returned to the dugout. Lopez, speaking through a translator, said he had no intent to hit Soler and called the situation a shame.
Soler had homered off Lopez in the first inning and holds strong career numbers against him: 14 for 23 with five home runs and three doubles. Soler commented on those stats and said the pitch missed too high and close to his head. Soler and Lopez were teammates in 2024, and Weiss served as an assistant coach for the Braves during their 2021 World Series championship, for which Soler earned MVP honors.
Both players plan to appeal the suspensions. Lopez could miss one start if upheld, though Atlanta might adjust its rotation accordingly.
