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Braves' Reynaldo Lopez expected to face hefty suspension, dampening rotation amid Jorge Soler brawl originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels saw tempers flare on Tuesday night when Jorge Soler and Reynaldo Lopez got into a scuffle. Both players were ejected for their actions, and both teams were issued warnings.
“Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez and Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler were ejected after a brawl between the two players Tuesday night. Soler charged the mound after Lopez threw a pitch high and inside that tipped off Jonah Heim's glove in the bottom of the fifth inning,” ESPN wrote.
The brawl quickly escalated, with Soler being struck by a baseball and Braves manager Walt Weiss tackling the former World Series MVP. After the game, Lopez made it clear he regretted what happened.
“It's just a shame, the situation and how things unfolded,” López said through interpreter Franco García. “On my part, there was never any intent to hit him at any point. So, again, it's just a shame.”
There is no doubt that both Lopez and Soler will face suspensions. However, Lopez could face the harshest penalty due to striking Soler with a baseball.
“MLB has gone to great lengths to deter these sorts of brawls in recent years, and, assuming they are paying attention at all, they are going to see Lopez striking Soler with an actual baseball as going way too far. What exactly that means is less clear. If Lopez were a position player, it feels like he could be forced to take a week off. However, Lopez being a starter probably means that the league is going to want him to miss at least a couple of starts for the infraction,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.
The Braves could be in a tough spot if Lopez receives a hefty suspension, especially given the team’s injury issues. Lopez has arguably been the best arm in the rotation, delivering a quality start in all three of his outings.
Atlanta is nearing the return of Spencer Strider, but even his presence may not fully offset the impact of a suspension. The Braves may need to consider other options, but the focus will be on preparing for the worst-case scenario.
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