The Los Angeles Angels host the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on Thursday, August 13, with first pitch set for 10:07 PM ET. Walbert Ureña gets the ball for the Halos against one of the most accomplished arms in baseball, Jacob deGrom, in a late-summer AL West matchup that carries real stakes heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season. Catch the game on ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, or listen locally on KLAA 830.

Pitching Matchup: Ureña vs. deGrom

Walbert Ureña draws a tough assignment Thursday night. The young right-hander will need to be sharp against a Rangers lineup that can do damage against any pitcher at any level. This is the kind of start that defines where a developing arm stands — there is no better measuring stick than facing a team with Texas's offensive firepower in a meaningful late-season game.

On the other side, Jacob deGrom takes the mound for the Rangers. When healthy, deGrom is as dangerous as any starter in the American League, and the Angels' lineup will need a disciplined approach to generate traffic against him. Working counts and putting the ball in play early will be essential to keeping Anaheim in this one.

Angels Starting Lineup and Keys to Watch

The Angels are sending out a lineup with a mix of youth and experience Thursday. Mike Trout bats second and plays center field — his presence in the order remains the gravitational center of this offense. Nolan Schanuel hits third at first base, and Vaughn Grissom slots into the cleanup spot at third base, giving the middle of the order some legitimate thump.

• Wade Meckler (DH, leadoff): Sets the table at the top of the order. Getting on base early against deGrom will be critical to avoiding a quick, quiet inning to open the game.
• Moisés Ballesteros (C): The young catcher hits fifth and will also play a key role game-managing Ureña through a tough assignment behind the plate.
• Denzer Guzman (SS): Hitting sixth, Guzman is one of the younger pieces in this lineup. Keeping him active with solid at-bats could pay dividends if the Angels chase deGrom deeper into the game.
• Jose Siri (LF) and Josh Lowe (RF): Both bring athleticism and pop from the bottom third of the order. Siri in particular can change a game with his speed on the bases.
• Adam Frazier (2B): Hits ninth and provides contact and experience at the bottom of the order — a useful bridge back to Meckler.

What the Angels Need to Do to Win

Beating deGrom requires patience and opportunism. The Angels cannot afford to expand the zone or fall behind in counts — that plays directly into what deGrom does best. If Ureña can keep the Rangers to two or three runs through five innings, the Angels' bullpen has a chance to hold the lead if the offense can scratch across runs early.

Angel Stadium gives the Halos a home-field edge, and this lineup has the athleticism to create havoc on the bases when they do get on. The back end of the order — Siri, Lowe, Frazier — needs to contribute. Waiting on Trout and Schanuel alone won't be enough against an arm of deGrom's caliber.

Prediction

This is a difficult matchup on paper for the Angels. deGrom presents a significant challenge, and Ureña will need to deliver one of his cleaner outings to keep the score manageable. The Angels' lineup has enough athleticism and lineup depth to steal a game, but deGrom's presence tips this one toward Texas. Rangers win a close one, 4-2 — though if Ureña is efficient and the Angels get to deGrom early, all bets are off at Angel Stadium.