MLB suspends Soler, López for brawl

Both players appeal 7-game penalties after Tuesday's bench-clearing fight at Angel Stadium

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the physical altercation between two baseball players, with their bodies and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the heated on-field confrontation between two former World Series champions, capturing the chaos and intensity of the moment.Los Angeles Today

MLB has handed down 7-game suspensions to Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López for their roles in a bench-clearing brawl during Tuesday's game at Angel Stadium. Both players are appealing the decision, which will put any suspension on hold until the process is complete.

Why it matters

Bench-clearing brawls are rare in today's MLB, and suspensions for such incidents can have a significant impact on teams and players. This incident between former World Series champions Soler and López has drawn league-wide attention and raises questions about sportsmanship and player conduct.

The details

The confrontation began after Soler hit a two-run home run off López in the first inning, his fifth homer in 23 career at-bats against his former teammate. López then appeared to retaliate by hitting Soler with a pitch. In the fifth inning, López threw a pitch over Soler's head, leading to the two players exchanging punches before their teammates joined the scuffle on the field.

  • The incident occurred during Tuesday night's game between the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves at Angel Stadium.
  • MLB announced the 7-game suspensions for Soler and López on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Jorge Soler

A Los Angeles Angels outfielder who was involved in the bench-clearing brawl with his former teammate Reynaldo López.

Reynaldo López

An Atlanta Braves pitcher who was involved in the bench-clearing brawl with his former teammate Jorge Soler.

Michael Hill

MLB senior vice president of on-field operations who announced the suspensions for Soler and López.

Walt Weiss

The Atlanta Braves manager who tackled Soler to the ground during the brawl.

Nolan Schanuel

An Atlanta Braves player who took second base on the wild pitch that preceded the brawl.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have good numbers against him. I hit a home run, my second time up he hits me in the hand, and then threw me another one up and in. This is the big leagues, you can't be throwing that.”

— Jorge Soler

“We spent time together as teammates and so I just think it was a misunderstanding because I would never do anything. I wasn't trying to hit him and there was never any intent on my part to hit him at all at any point.”

— Reynaldo López

What’s next

Both Soler and López have appealed their 7-game suspensions, which will put the punishments on hold until the appeals process is complete.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the competitive nature and intensity of MLB rivalries, as well as the league's efforts to maintain discipline and sportsmanship among players. The appeals process will determine if the suspensions are upheld or reduced, which could have significant implications for the playoff hopes of the Angels and Braves.