A major altercation erupted on the field Tuesday night during a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves, marking one of the largest brawls in Major League Baseball history.
The incident began when Angels batter Jorger Soler charged the mound after Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez threw a pitch high and inside that tipped off Jonah Heim’s glove in the bottom of the fifth inning. As Soler approached, Lopez—holding a baseball—struck him in the head.
Initial reports indicated that Lopez raised his hands before both players exchanged heated words. Soler stated through an interpreter that he questioned López about whether everything was “OK,” which he said he didn’t like, prompting his actions. The benches and bullpens emptied as players from both teams attempted to separate the two, with Atlanta manager Walt Weiss among those who tackled Soler.
MLB confirmed that both Soler and Lopez were ejected following the altercation. Soler later clarified that López did not have control issues against other hitters, suggesting he believed the pitcher acted intentionally. Weiss emphasized their mutual respect, noting they had known each other from past roles in Atlanta—where Soler won World Series MVP honors in 2021 with Weiss as bench coach—and added that both players emerged injury-free despite significant bruising on López’s hand.
“We have a good relationship,” Soler said. “I don’t think he tried to do anything against me. We’re friends.” Weiss, who also acknowledged Soler’s recent performance against López, stated his team did not allow pitchers to target players unnecessarily but understood the frustration behind the confrontation.
