The Los Angeles Angels head to South Florida for a Sunday afternoon clash with the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET on August 9, 2026. Grayson Rodriguez gets the ball for the Halos against Miami's Ryan Gusto. With the regular season in full swing and every game carrying real standings weight, this is the kind of road test that reveals roster depth — and Los Angeles will need a strong outing from Rodriguez to come away with a win against a Marlins club that has some intriguing pieces in the lineup.

Starting Pitching Matchup: Rodriguez vs. Gusto

Grayson Rodriguez takes the mound for the Angels. Rodriguez brings a live arm and the kind of stuff that can keep opposing lineups off-balance, and this start is an opportunity for him to build momentum away from home. How he handles a Marlins lineup that has legitimate contact skills up and down the order will be the defining storyline of the afternoon.

Miami counters with Ryan Gusto. Without a lengthy track record against the Angels to lean on, Gusto is something of an unknown quantity — which can cut both ways. The Angels' offense will need to be patient, work counts early, and resist chasing if Gusto is locating well.

Miami Marlins Lineup to Watch

The Marlins are sending out a lineup that demands respect. Xavier Edwards hits second and is a genuine on-base threat with elite contact ability. Otto Lopez slots in at shortstop and bats third, giving Miami a professional at-bat in a key spot. Griffin Conine draws the cleanup role at DH and represents the Marlins' primary power threat in this order. Keep an eye on Owen Caissie in right field batting sixth — he has the raw tools to do damage against any pitching staff.

• Kyle Stowers (1B, leadoff): Sets the table and can make things uncomfortable in a hurry if he reaches base.
• Xavier Edwards (2B, No. 2): A contact-first hitter who is difficult to put away. Rodriguez cannot afford to let him reach with Conine coming up.
• Griffin Conine (DH, cleanup): The primary power bat in this order. Rodriguez needs to be sharp when Conine steps in.
• Agustín Ramírez (C, No. 7): A name to watch as a developing piece behind the dish for Miami.

Keys to the Game for Los Angeles

• Rodriguez controls the middle of the order: Limiting Lopez, Conine, and Heriberto Hernández will determine how long Rodriguez can stay in this game.
• Early at-bats against Gusto: The Angels need to get into the Miami bullpen. Working deep counts and making Gusto throw strikes early is the blueprint.
• Defense on the road: loanDepot Park's quirks can create opportunities for extra bases. Clean defense behind Rodriguez keeps the pitch count manageable.
• Offense responds to unknown arms: Gusto doesn't carry a long book against this club. Disciplined, aggressive at-bats from the jump will be essential.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for the Angels if Rodriguez is sharp and the offense shows patience against an unfamiliar arm. Miami's lineup has enough talent to make life difficult, and the Marlins will compete at home. Expect a close, low-scoring game decided by which bullpen holds up in the late innings. Edge: Angels, 4–2, behind a quality start from Rodriguez and timely hitting in the middle of the order.

Coverage on the radio side is available on KLAA 830 for English-language listeners, with Spanish-language coverage on Angels ES. Television is available on ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino.