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MLB gave the Los Angeles Angels’ Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez suspensions after their fight during Tuesday’s game.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning, when Soler—who had already homered and been hit by a pitch in the game—took exception to a high and slightly inside pitch. Soler charged the mound and exchanged blows with Lopez before their teams pulled them apart. Lopez held the baseball during the fight and took a few swing at Soler with it in his hand, knocking the slugger’s helmet off.
MLB assigned each player a seven-game suspension and an undisclosed fine, though both parties are appealing.
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Apr 7, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; A fight breaks out between Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jorge Soler (12) during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
What Did the Players Say After the Game?
After the game, Soler explained his reasoning for charging the mound.
“I asked him if everything was OK and the answer he gave me, I didn’t like it,” Soler said. “That’s why I went out there.”
“Obviously, I have good numbers against him. … After the home run and getting hit by a pitch after that, and then he missed way too high and close to my head. At this level, you can’t miss like that.”
Lopez also commented on the matter, but was more apologetic about the melee.
“It’s just a shame, the situation and how things unfolded,” López said. “On my part, there was never any intent to hit him at any point. So, again, it’s just a shame.”
Both managers also spoke about the situation.
“I know it didn’t look good because of Soler’s numbers against López and he hit a homer and he hit him,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “López is not throwing at him. I don’t allow our pitchers to throw at people just because they can’t get them out. Our job is to get them out. But I understand why Soler got angry.”
“I don’t blame Jorge one bit,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “You get thrown at your head, you have a family, a career. It’s dangerous. I know it happens. But if you ask any hitter and a ball gets thrown near their head, especially after hitting a homer, it’s not good.”
What Do the Suspensions Mean For the Teams?
For the Angels, missing a big bat in their superpower offense could be trouble for them early in the season. They have finished last in the AL West for the last two years, and losing momentum after a good start to the year could be an issue.
The Braves got the lesser end of the suspension, as Lopez will miss just one start during his suspension. The Braves have a beleaguered rotation as it is, though, they’ll have to improvise when Lopez’s turn comes around again.
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