The Los Angeles Angels welcome the Houston Astros to Angel Stadium on Monday, July 27, for a 9:38 PM ET first pitch that carries real AL West weight. Right-hander Walbert Ureña gets the ball for the Halos against Houston's Tatsuya Imai in what shapes up as a pitching matchup between two arms the baseball world is still getting a read on. With Zach Neto leading off and Mike Trout hitting second, the Angels are sending out a lineup capable of doing damage against any starter. Catch the action on KCOP 13 or KLAA 830 AM.

Angels vs. Astros Pitching Matchup: Walbert Ureña vs. Tatsuya Imai

Walbert Ureña draws the start for Los Angeles. The right-hander has been part of the Angels' pitching mix this season, and Monday gives him a chance to make a statement against a Houston lineup that has historically been one of the most disciplined in the American League. Ureña will need to work efficiently and limit walks if he wants to keep the Astros' offense from grinding through at-bats and working deep counts.

On the other side, Houston counters with Tatsuya Imai, a name still being etched into the American League consciousness. Imai represents the kind of pitcher who can keep a lineup off-balance when his command is sharp. The Angels' order will be looking to get into his pitch count early and force Houston's bullpen into the game.

Los Angeles Angels Starting Lineup

• 1. Zach Neto — SS
• 2. Mike Trout — CF
• 3. Nolan Schanuel — 1B
• 4. Jorge Soler — DH
• 5. Vaughn Grissom — 2B
• 6. Josh Lowe — LF
• 7. Jo Adell — RF
• 8. Denzer Guzman — 3B
• 9. Tyler Heineman — C

Keys to Watch for the Angels

Neto and Trout Setting the Table

The Neto-Trout 1-2 punch at the top of the order is among the most compelling in the AL West. Neto's ability to get on base and Trout's presence in the two-hole puts immediate pressure on opposing pitchers. If those two are reaching base in the early innings, the middle of this lineup — Schanuel, Soler, and Grissom — has the chance to make Imai's night very short.

Jorge Soler's Power Threat

With Soler slotted in at cleanup as the designated hitter, the Angels have legitimate over-the-fence danger in the heart of their order. Soler's raw power against right-handed and left-handed pitching alike makes him a constant threat that Houston cannot afford to pitch around casually.

Jo Adell and Denzer Guzman in the Bottom Third

The bottom of this lineup is worth watching. Adell in the seven-hole gives the Angels a power option late in the batting order, and Guzman at third base is a young player with something to prove against a quality opponent. How this duo performs could be the difference between a productive lineup from top to bottom and a middle-heavy order that fades late.

Ureña's Command Against a Patient Lineup

Houston has historically been willing to take pitches and work walks. Ureña's control and ability to get ahead in counts will be the central storyline on the pitching side. If he can keep the Astros from working long at-bats, the Angels' defense — with Neto at short and Grissom at second — gives him a solid infield behind him.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at Angel Stadium, and the Angels' lineup has enough firepower to generate runs against an arm in Imai that the division is still figuring out. If Ureña can give the Angels five solid innings and the top of the order does its job, Los Angeles takes this one. Angels 5, Astros 3.