The Atlanta Braves make the trip to Camden Yards on Saturday, July 25, for a 7:05 PM ET showdown against the Baltimore Orioles. Bryce Elder gets the ball for Atlanta against Baltimore's Brandon Young in what shapes up as an intriguing mid-rotation matchup. With the second half of the season well underway, every game carries real weight in the standings, and the Braves will need a sharp outing from Elder to come away from Oriole Park with a win.

Braves at Orioles: Starting Pitching Breakdown

Bryce Elder is the story on Atlanta's side. The right-hander has been part of the Braves rotation picture for several seasons now, and every start in the back half of July matters as the club navigates its postseason push. Elder's ability to generate weak contact and work efficiently through a lineup will be tested against an Orioles offense that carries legitimate pop from top to bottom.

Baltimore counters with Brandon Young, who is less established at the major league level. Young's profile makes him a name worth watching — if Atlanta's lineup can work counts early and force him to the bullpen before the sixth inning, that's a significant advantage for the Braves.

Atlanta Braves Lineup and Keys to Watch

Manager Brian Snitker is running out a lineup with some notable construction. Drake Baldwin leads off from behind the plate, with Ozzie Albies slotted second — a combination that puts two contact-oriented hitters at the top before Matt Olson and Michael Harris II provide the middle-of-the-order thump at third and fourth. Austin Riley drops to seventh in this configuration, which is worth monitoring as the game develops.

• Ozzie Albies (2B): Batting second, Albies is the engine of this offense. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the bases sets the table for Olson and Harris.
• Matt Olson (1B): Hitting third, Olson is the threat Baltimore's pitching staff cannot afford to pitch around. Any mistake from Young in the early innings could cost the Orioles in a hurry.
• Michael Harris II (CF): Cleanup hitter. Harris has the tools to punish pitchers who nibble, and Young will need to locate his pitches carefully here.
• Austin Riley (3B): Batting seventh is an unusual slot for Riley, but he remains dangerous at any point in the order. A productive outing from him in that role would stretch Baltimore's bullpen thin.

Baltimore Orioles Lineup Threats

Atlanta cannot overlook this Orioles lineup. Gunnar Henderson batting third is the clear headliner — one of the better young shortstops in the American League. Pete Alonso sits second, adding power to the top of the order, while Tyler O'Neill and Jackson Holliday provide depth that can punish any lapse in Elder's command. Elder will need to be sharp from the first pitch if he wants to keep Baltimore's offense from dictating the pace of the game.

Prediction

This one figures to be a close, competitive ballgame. Elder is a capable major league starter who can keep the Braves in games, and facing a less-proven arm in Brandon Young gives Atlanta a real opportunity to put crooked numbers on the board early. If Olson and Harris do damage in the middle innings and the Atlanta bullpen holds, the Braves have enough to steal this one on the road. Braves 5, Orioles 3.

Coverage begins at 7:05 PM ET. Catch the game on BravesVision or listen in on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan. Spanish-language coverage is available on Los Bravos.