Angels' Jorge Soler charges mound, tackled by Braves manager in brawl

Benches clear after Soler and Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez exchange punches

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:37pm

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In the bottom of the fifth inning of a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves, Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler charged the mound and fought with Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. Braves manager Walt Weiss and other Braves players then tackled Soler to the ground to break up the brawl. Both Soler and Lopez were ejected from the game.

Why it matters

Bench-clearing brawls are rare in Major League Baseball these days, making this an unusual and newsworthy incident. The history between Soler and the Braves organization, as well as the potential for retaliation in the series finale, add intrigue to the story.

The details

The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning with the Braves leading 4-2. After Lopez struck out the first two batters, he walked the next hitter. On the next pitch, which nearly hit Soler, the two players exchanged words before Soler charged the mound and the two began fighting. Braves manager Walt Weiss and other Braves players then tackled Soler to the ground to break up the brawl.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning on April 8, 2026.
  • The Angels and Braves are scheduled to play the final game of their three-game series on April 9, 2026 at 4:07 p.m. EDT.

The players

Jorge Soler

A 6-foot-3, 235-pound designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels who previously played for the Braves in 2021 and 2024.

Reynaldo Lopez

The Atlanta Braves pitcher who was involved in the brawl with Soler.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves, who tackled Soler during the brawl. Weiss was previously a bench coach for the Braves when Soler played for the team.

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What they’re saying

“I love Soler. We were teammates here. That's a big man. I just felt, I gotta get him off his feet because he's gonna hurt somebody.”

— Walt Weiss, Atlanta Braves Manager

“I asked him if everything was OK, and the answer he gave me, I didn't like it. That's why I went out there.”

— Jorge Soler

What’s next

The Angels and Braves are scheduled to play the final game of their three-game series on April 9, 2026 at 4:07 p.m. EDT. There is potential for retaliation or further incidents between the two teams in the series finale.

The takeaway

This bench-clearing brawl between the Angels and Braves highlights the intensity and emotions that can still flare up in Major League Baseball, even in the modern era. The history between Soler and the Braves organization added an extra layer of intrigue to the incident.