If you do the crime, you gotta do the time. We had our first brawl in Major League Baseball on Tuesday night when Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo held his own after Los Angeles Angels DH Jorge Soler took exception to a pitch high and tight, and charged the mound with every indication of fighting.
Now, the punishment has been handed down by MLB, and it results in a seven-game suspension for both players, with an undisclosed fine. Both players have appealed.
UPDATE: Reynaldo Lopez has reached an agreement on a 5-game suspension upon appeal. This is actually good news for the Braves, as he doesn’t have to miss a starter, but rather just has one more day of rest before his next start.
Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez and Angels’ Jorge Soler Hit with 7-Game Suspension
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 7: Jeremy Hefner #85 of the Atlanta Braves holds back pitcher Reynaldo López #40 after a fight on the field during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 7, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
For the Braves and Reynaldo Lopez, the suspension will likely result in one start lost for the right-handed pitcher.
As for Jorge Soler, his absence from the Angels’ lineup will be more noticeable. He hit a two-run home run off Lopez in the first inning of Tuesday’s game, but the Braves won 7-2 to improve to 7-5.
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As always, there has been a strong reaction across social media regarding the suspension timeframes and the brawl in general.
Here are some of the best:
@SleeperMLB: Best friends Jorge Soler & Reynaldo Lopez have both been suspended 7 games for their pillow fight.
@DanClark: Reynaldo López appeared to use a baseball as a weapon last night. Regardless of it being in self-defence or not, he could have inflicted more pain on Jorge Soler than he would have using his fist. This is unacceptable, is a bad look for MLB, and warrants a 25-game suspension.
@SurplusCloud315: How did Reynaldo Lopez not get more games considering he was throwing punches with a baseball in hand. Soler was lucky he was wearing a helmet.
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 7: Benches clear as pitcher Reynaldo López #40 of the Atlanta Braves and right fielder Jorge Soler #12 of the Los Angeles Angels fight on the field during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 7, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 7: Reynaldo López #40 of the Atlanta Braves delivers to the plate in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 7, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez and Angels’ Jorge Soler Hit with Lengthy Suspensions for Tuesday’s Brawl