The Milwaukee Brewers head to Los Angeles for a Thursday night matchup against the Dodgers, with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. Shane Drohan gets the start for Milwaukee, squaring off against Roki Sasaki on the Dodgers' side. This is a significant regular-season test for the Brewers, who will need to navigate one of baseball's most dangerous lineups from top to bottom. Milwaukee's lineup has not been confirmed, so how Pat Murphy deploys his hitters against a formidable Dodgers rotation will be worth watching closely once the card is posted.

Brewers vs. Dodgers Pitching Matchup: Drohan vs. Sasaki

Shane Drohan draws a challenging assignment on the road. The left-hander will have to establish himself quickly against a Dodgers order that is loaded with proven, disciplined hitters. How Drohan commands his arsenal in the early innings — and whether he can limit the damage against the heart of that lineup — is the central question for Milwaukee tonight.

Roki Sasaki is the man standing in the Brewers' way. The right-hander brings a high-end pitch mix that has drawn attention since his arrival in the majors, and Milwaukee's hitters will need a patient, disciplined approach to have any chance of working into the bullpen early.

Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup to Watch

The Dodgers are sending out a formidable batting order Thursday night. Here is how Los Angeles lines up:

• Shohei Ohtani, DH
• Andy Pages, CF
• Tommy Edman, 2B
• Freddie Freeman, 1B
• Teoscar Hernández, LF
• Miguel Rojas, SS
• Kyle Tucker, RF
• Enrique Hernández, 3B
• Ben Rortvedt, C

Ohtani leading off is the obvious headliner, and Drohan will face him in the very first at-bat of the game. Freeman hitting cleanup and Tucker slotting seventh gives this order legitimate danger at every turn. There is no easy out in this lineup, and Milwaukee's defense will need to be sharp if Drohan gets into trouble with runners on base.

Keys to the Game for Milwaukee

Limit the Big Inning

With this much firepower in the Dodgers' order, the risk of a multi-run inning is real at any moment. Drohan keeping the ball in the strike zone while avoiding walks will be essential. Free baserunners in front of Ohtani, Freeman, or Tucker can get expensive in a hurry on a warm August night in Los Angeles.

Milwaukee's Lineup Construction

The Brewers have not confirmed their batting order as of this writing. Watch for how Milwaukee constructs its lineup against a right-handed starter of Sasaki's caliber. Getting on base early and forcing Sasaki to work deep counts will be the Brewers' best path to offensive production.

Bullpen Management

If Drohan runs into trouble, the length Milwaukee gets from him will shape the entire game. A short outing puts pressure on a bullpen that would then have to navigate this Dodgers order for five-plus innings on the road.

Prediction

The Dodgers hold the advantage tonight. Sasaki at home against a Brewers lineup that has to travel cross-country for a late West Coast start is a tough draw. The Brewers are capable of stealing a game in Los Angeles, but Milwaukee will need a strong outing from Drohan and timely hitting to pull off the win. Expect a close game in the early going, but give the edge to Los Angeles.

Catch the game on Brewers.TV Presented by Potawatomi Sportsbook or listen on WTMJ 620 AM back home in Milwaukee. First pitch is at 10:10 PM ET Thursday, August 13.