The Los Angeles Angels close out their Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium when they host the Minnesota Twins on September 20, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 4:07 PM ET. Right-hander Ryan Johnson gets the ball for Anaheim opposite Minnesota's Dean Kremer in a matchup that puts two of the game's younger rosters on display. With the regular season winding down, this is exactly the kind of game where the Angels' developing core — from Zach Neto at the top of the order to Christian Moore batting ninth — gets a meaningful late-season look.

Angels vs. Twins Pitching Matchup: Ryan Johnson Faces Dean Kremer

Ryan Johnson draws the start for the Halos on the mound. The Angels have been developing Johnson as part of their pitching rebuild, and a late-September home start represents a genuine opportunity to finish the season on a strong note in front of the Angel Stadium faithful. On the other side, Dean Kremer takes the ball for Minnesota. Kremer has experience working deep into games, and the Twins will lean on him to keep an Angels lineup that features real offensive depth from top to bottom off the board early.

Angels Lineup Keys to Watch Against Minnesota

• Zach Neto leading off: The shortstop sets the table for everything that follows. How Neto handles Kremer's early-count approach will shape the Angels' offensive rhythm from the first inning on.
• Mike Trout batting second: Trout sliding into the two-hole behind Neto keeps the lineup's most dangerous presence in a high-opportunity spot. Any Neto on-base situation with Trout at the plate is a threat.
• Vaughn Grissom cleaning up at first base: Grissom hitting fourth puts him in position to do the most damage with runners on. His plate discipline and power in the middle of this lineup will be critical against a pitcher like Kremer.
• Moisés Ballesteros behind the plate: The young catcher hits fifth and plays a dual role — managing Johnson's game plan while providing lineup depth in the heart of the order. How he handles Minnesota's pitching sequences matters as much as his at-bats.
• Christian Moore at second base: Moore batting ninth gives the Angels a second-leadoff-type threat at the bottom of the order, capable of turning the lineup over to Neto and Trout in dangerous spots.

Twins Lineup Threats the Angels Must Contain

• Walker Jenkins leading off in center: The young Minnesota outfielder is a legitimate table-setter. Johnson will need to establish his game plan early against Jenkins to prevent the Twins from building momentum.
• Royce Lewis at first base: Lewis drops to sixth in this lineup, but his power potential means Johnson cannot lose focus deep in Minnesota's order. One mistake in a critical at-bat can change the game.
• Brooks Lee and Kody Clemens in the two and three holes: Minnesota has built a scrappy middle of the order around contact hitters. If Johnson is going to have a strong outing, neutralizing the middle of this Twins lineup is where the work gets done.

Angels vs. Twins Prediction

This is a game the Angels can and should win at home. Johnson has the opportunity to deliver a quality start that gives the bullpen a needed break this late in the season, and the Halos' lineup — with Trout, Grissom, and Neto providing genuine top-of-order firepower — has enough to work against Kremer. The key variable is whether Johnson can limit Minnesota's damage through the middle innings. If the young Angels rotation piece keeps the Twins under control into the sixth, the offense should do its part. Angels take this one at Angel Stadium. Catch the action on ABTV presented by Pechanga Resort Casino or listen on KLAA 830.