Angels vs. Orioles on June 13, 2025. Jack Kochanowicz and Charlie Morton duel in a battle of high ERAs. Can the Angels grab a key road win? Recap here.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's not often you see a completely silent day in the world of the Angels, but Friday the 13th brought a strange and welcome calm. No transactions, no injury updates, no front office buzz. All the noise was replaced by a singular focus: the series opener at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles, a game that feels like a massive opportunity for a team holding onto second place in the AL West.
Tonight's starting pitchers, Jack Kochanowicz (5.61 ERA) and Charlie Morton (6.59 ERA), carry a combined ERA of 12.20 into the series opener.
In a refreshing change of pace, the Angels' news cycle was completely quiet today. No players were moved, no rehab assignments were updated, and no major announcements came from the front office. While fans are always eager for a big splash, this kind of stability can be a blessing. It means the roster is healthy (for now), and the team, under manager Ron Washington, can concentrate fully on the task at hand without any off-field distractions. The focus is purely on baseball.
The main event in Baltimore is a fascinating matchup on the mound, though perhaps not for the reasons a purist might hope. The Angels are sending Jack Kochanowicz (3-7, 5.61 ERA) to face the Orioles' Charlie Morton (2-7, 6.59 ERA). Both pitchers have been battling inconsistency and are desperately seeking a 'get-right' game. For Kochanowicz, a strong outing against a potent Orioles lineup could be a huge confidence booster and a critical step toward stabilizing the back end of the rotation. This isn't about ace vs. ace; it's about which struggling arm can find his command and give his team a chance to win.
With a pitcher sporting a 6.59 ERA on the other side, the Angels' offense has a golden opportunity. While the team's .227 batting average isn't turning heads, they have the power to strike. Taylor Ward, with his 18 homers and 46 RBI, remains the primary threat. Meanwhile, Nolan Schanuel continues to be a bright spot with his .284 average, providing a steady presence in the lineup. The formula for Friday is simple: be patient, work the count against Morton, and make him pay for mistakes. This is the kind of game where the bats absolutely must show up.
This game sets the tone. A win in Baltimore, fueled by a solid start from Kochanowicz and timely hitting, would be the perfect way to kick off the weekend and build momentum. A loss, however, would put immense pressure on the next two games. With everything quiet off the field, the story will be written entirely between the lines at Camden Yards tonight. Let's hope the Halos are ready to write a good one.
