The Los Angeles Angels head to Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday, August 6 for a 12:35 PM ET first pitch against the Baltimore Orioles. Right-hander Ryan Johnson gets the ball for the Halos opposite Baltimore's Brandon Young in a matchup of pitchers the Angels will need to evaluate as the season rolls on. With Mike Trout slotted into the two-hole and a lineup that mixes proven names with emerging pieces, Los Angeles is looking to pick up a road win in one of baseball's most storied ballparks. Catch it on KLAA 830 or ABTV presented by Pechanga Resort Casino.

Angels vs. Orioles Pitching Matchup: Ryan Johnson vs. Brandon Young

Ryan Johnson draws the start for the Angels, and this is exactly the kind of game where the front office wants to see what they have. Johnson is a name worth watching as the Angels continue to build their pitching depth. Full statistical lines for both Johnson and Baltimore's Brandon Young are not available in advance of this one, so the performance on the field Thursday will do the talking.

Young gets the assignment for the Orioles, and Baltimore will look to their home environment at Camden Yards to generate some early momentum. The Orioles boast a lineup that can put up crooked numbers in a hurry, so Johnson cannot afford to fall behind in counts or leave pitches over the heart of the plate.

Angels Lineup: Trout Bats Second, Neto Hits Cleanup

Manager's lineup card has Wade Meckler leading off in left, with Trout at DH batting second — a spot that keeps him protected without the defensive strain. Nolan Schanuel bats third at first base, and Zach Neto slots in at shortstop in the cleanup spot, a sign of the trust the Angels are placing in their young infielder. Vaughn Grissom holds down third base and bats fifth, followed by catcher Moisés Ballesteros at six. Jose Siri brings his speed to center field batting seventh, Josh Lowe takes right field in the eight spot, and Oswald Peraza rounds out the order at second base.

Baltimore Lineup: Henderson, Alonso Anchor the Middle of the Order

The Orioles counter with a lineup built around genuine power. Dylan Beavers leads off in left, with Pete Alonso batting second at first base. Gunnar Henderson sits in the three hole as the designated hitter — a lineup configuration Baltimore will lean on for run production. Christian Encarnacion-Strand bats cleanup at third base, and Jackson Holliday bats fifth at shortstop. Leody Taveras, Jeremiah Jackson, Colton Cowser, and catcher Yohel Pozo complete the order.

Keys to Watch at Camden Yards

• Johnson's command against a power-heavy lineup: Henderson, Alonso, and Encarnacion-Strand can punish any mistake. Johnson needs to work the corners and limit walks.
• Trout's at-bats: Every game Trout steps in the box matters. His presence in the two spot puts immediate pressure on Young from the opening inning.
• Neto's plate appearances: Batting fourth reflects the Angels' belief in Neto. His performance in the middle of the order will shape how opposing pitchers attack the lineup.
• Siri on the bases: Jose Siri's speed in center is a weapon. If he gets on base, he can change the complexion of an inning before the lineup turns over.
• Bullpen management: Without clear ERA context for Johnson, how long the Angels ride him and which arms follow out of the 'pen will be worth tracking closely.

Prediction

This is a road game against a Baltimore club with genuine lineup firepower, and Ryan Johnson is being asked to hold his own in a hitter-friendly environment. The Angels have the offensive pieces to stay in this one — Trout, Schanuel, and Neto can all do damage — but the pitching side is the question mark. Expect a competitive game that comes down to the middle innings. Angels are capable of stealing one here, but Baltimore's home-field edge makes this a coin-flip. Take the Orioles by a run, 4-3, unless Johnson finds an early rhythm and quiets that middle of the order.