The Los Angeles Angels head to Houston for a Tuesday night matchup against the Astros, with first pitch at 8:10 PM ET at Daikin Park. Right-hander George Klassen gets the ball for the Angels against Cristian Javier. With Mike Trout batting second in the lineup alongside a mix of young talent and veterans, this is a meaningful regular season road test against one of the American League's most experienced clubs. Angels fans can catch the action on ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, or tune in on KLAA 830 AM.

Probable Starters: George Klassen vs. Cristian Javier

George Klassen draws the start for Los Angeles in what figures to be a significant assignment. Pitching in Houston is never easy — Daikin Park has been a house of horrors for opposing starters over the years, and Klassen will need to command the strike zone and limit the big inning against a lineup that features Yordan Alvarez batting second and Jose Altuve in the cleanup spot.

On the other side, Cristian Javier takes the hill for Houston. Javier has proven capable of putting together dominant performances, and the Angels' lineup will need patience and discipline to get into the Astros bullpen.

Los Angeles Angels Lineup

• 1. Wade Meckler, LF
• 2. Mike Trout, CF
• 3. Nolan Schanuel, 1B
• 4. Zach Neto, SS
• 5. Moisés Ballesteros, DH
• 6. Vaughn Grissom, 2B
• 7. Josh Lowe, RF
• 8. Denzer Guzman, 3B
• 9. Tyler Heineman, C

Houston Astros Lineup

• 1. Jeremy Peña, SS
• 2. Yordan Alvarez, DH
• 3. Isaac Paredes, 3B
• 4. Jose Altuve, 2B
• 5. Daulton Varsho, CF
• 6. Christian Walker, 1B
• 7. Taylor Trammell, LF
• 8. Cam Smith, RF
• 9. Yainer Diaz, C

Keys to Watch for the Angels

Mike Trout in the Middle of It All

Trout batting second is a statement. When he is engaged and healthy, the entire Angels offense operates differently. Opposing pitchers cannot pitch around Trout with Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto behind him, so look for Javier to attack early and often. How Trout handles those at-bats will set the tone for the evening.

Zach Neto Hitting Cleanup

Neto in the four-hole is an interesting choice that signals confidence in the young shortstop's ability to drive in runs in a critical situation. If Trout and Schanuel are on base in front of him, Neto has a real opportunity to do damage against Javier.

Klassen's First-Inning Approach

Getting through the top of the Astros lineup — Peña, Alvarez, Paredes, and Altuve — without major damage is the first challenge for Klassen. Alvarez in particular is one of the most dangerous hitters in the American League, and how Klassen handles that second-inning spot early could define how deep into the game he goes.

Moisés Ballesteros as a X-Factor

Ballesteros batting fifth as the designated hitter is worth tracking. The young catcher-turned-DH has shown flashes of real offensive potential, and a big night from him in the middle of this road lineup would go a long way.

Prediction

The Angels are going into one of the tougher road venues in the American League and handing the ball to George Klassen against Cristian Javier. That is a difficult equation. Houston's lineup is deep enough to punish any mistake, especially with Alvarez and Altuve in the heart of the order. Los Angeles has the pieces to compete — Trout, Neto, and Schanuel are legitimate threats — but the Angels will need a strong outing from Klassen and some early offense to keep this one close. Call it Astros 5, Angels 3, with the game hinging on whether Klassen can navigate the middle innings without giving up the big inning.