The Baltimore Orioles host the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, July 31, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM ET. Brandon Young gets the ball for Baltimore, drawing one of the more challenging assignments a young pitcher can face — staring down a Phillies lineup that features Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner. Philadelphia has not named a starter. MASN carries the game locally; Phillies fans can find it on NBCSP.

Pitching Matchup: Brandon Young vs. TBA

Young is the story on the mound tonight. The right-hander gets the nod for Baltimore against a lineup that does not hide weaknesses. Without ERA or win-loss data available heading into this one, there is not much of a statistical track record to lean on here — what matters is how Young handles pressure at Camden Yards against legitimate big-league talent. This is exactly the kind of outing that shapes a pitcher's place on the roster going forward. The Phillies have yet to name their starter, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Baltimore's preparation.

Baltimore Orioles Starting Lineup

• Dylan Beavers, LF
• Pete Alonso, 1B
• Gunnar Henderson, SS
• Taylor Ward, DH
• Leody Taveras, RF
• Jackson Holliday, 2B
• Coby Mayo, 3B
• Colton Cowser, CF
• Yohel Pozo, C

Philadelphia Phillies Starting Lineup

• Trea Turner, SS
• Kyle Schwarber, DH
• Bryce Harper, 1B
• Alec Bohm, 3B
• Brandon Marsh, LF
• J.T. Realmuto, C
• Bryson Stott, 2B
• Gabriel Rincones Jr., RF
• Justin Crawford, CF

Keys to Watch on Friday Night

Gunnar Henderson Batting Third

Henderson slots into the three hole, which puts him in position to do damage early with Alonso on base. The Orioles need Henderson to be a presence in the middle of this lineup against whatever Philadelphia throws out there. He is Baltimore's most dangerous bat, and the Phillies know it.

Pete Alonso in the Two Spot

Alonso batting second is an interesting construction — it gets his power into the lineup quickly and creates a tough early decision for Philadelphia pitchers. If Beavers gets on base at the top, Alonso immediately becomes a run-producing threat before the pitcher can work around Henderson.

Young's Command Against a Patient Lineup

The Phillies feature experienced hitters who draw walks and grind counts. Turner, Schwarber, and Harper are not going to give Young anything easy. His ability to throw strikes consistently and avoid deep counts will be the defining factor in how long he lasts and what kind of shape the bullpen is in late.

Bottom of the Orioles Order

Holliday, Mayo, Cowser, and Pozo collectively represent an area where Baltimore can either surprise Philadelphia or let the lineup stall. If those four hitters contribute, this game stays close regardless of what Young does on the mound.

Prediction

This one comes down to Young's command and whether Baltimore can manufacture enough offense against an experienced Philadelphia pitching staff, whoever that turns out to be. The Phillies lineup is formidable top to bottom, and Young has a steep task. Give the edge to Philadelphia, but do not count out a Camden Yards crowd that makes this ballpark a tough place to win.