The Los Angeles Angels host the Milwaukee Brewers at Angel Stadium on Friday, July 31, with first pitch set for 9:38 PM ET. Ryan Johnson gets the ball for the Halos opposite Milwaukee's Shane Drohan in what shapes up as an intriguing interleague contest. With the dog days of summer in full swing, every start is a chance for young arms to solidify their standing on the roster and for the lineup to build momentum heading toward the stretch run.

Pitching Matchup: Ryan Johnson vs. Shane Drohan

Ryan Johnson draws the start for Los Angeles. Without a deep statistical track record available at this stage of the season, the focus is simply on execution — keeping hitters off-balance, working deep into the game, and giving the bullpen some rest. Johnson's ability to command the strike zone and avoid big innings will be the primary measuring stick on Friday night.

Shane Drohan gets the call for Milwaukee. The left-hander will face an Angels lineup that features a mix of veterans and emerging talent. How Drohan sequences his pitches and navigates the middle of the Angels order will go a long way in determining the Brewers' offensive output.

Angels Starting Lineup

• 1. Zach Neto, SS
• 2. Mike Trout, CF
• 3. Nolan Schanuel, 1B
• 4. Jorge Soler, DH
• 5. Vaughn Grissom, 2B
• 6. Jo Adell, RF
• 7. Denzer Guzman, 3B
• 8. Travis d'Arnaud, C
• 9. Jose Siri, LF

Keys to Watch for the Angels

Neto Sets the Table

Zach Neto leading off gives the Angels a legitimate on-base threat at the top of the order. His ability to work counts and get on base in front of Mike Trout in the two-hole is exactly the kind of lineup construction that can put pressure on opposing pitchers from the very first inning.

Trout and Soler in the Middle

Mike Trout batting second keeps the best hitter on the roster in prime run-producing position. Jorge Soler cleaning up at four gives the Angels genuine power protection. If Drohan has any trouble locating his fastball, this stretch of the order can do serious damage in a hurry.

Guzman Gets a Look

Denzer Guzman slotting in at third base and batting seventh is a name worth tracking. Opportunities in the lineup against big-league pitching are how young players prove they belong, and Friday night at Angel Stadium is exactly that kind of stage.

Johnson's Efficiency

The Angels will need Ryan Johnson to be efficient with his pitch count. Getting deep into the game preserves a bullpen that has plenty of work ahead this season. Limiting walks and avoiding the big inning are the two things to watch from the mound.

Prediction

This is a competitive matchup between two clubs looking to take care of business at home and on the road, respectively. The Angels lineup has enough firepower from top to bottom — with Trout, Soler, and Neto anchoring things — to generate runs against any pitcher. If Ryan Johnson throws strikes and keeps Milwaukee's offense in check through five or six innings, the Angels have the pieces in place to take this one at Angel Stadium. Angels win, 4-2.

Catch the action on ABTV presented by Pechanga Resort Casino or on the radio at KLAA 830. Spanish-language coverage is available on KWKW 1330.