Angels' Ryan Johnson: Making first start Monday

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Johnson is slated to make his first MLB start in Monday's game against the Astros in Houston, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Last spring, Johnson -- a second-round pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft -- bypassed a minor-league assignment and began his professional career as a member of the Angels bullpen, but he struggled over 14 appearances before being optioned to High-A Tri-City in early May. He transitioned back into a starting role and finished with a 1.88 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 65:10 K:BB in 57.1 innings. Sporting an improved changeup this spring, Johnson collected a 3.05 ERA and 20.5 K-BB% over 20.2 innings in the Cactus League to secure a spot in the Los Angeles rotation. The 23-year-old's lack of track record at the big-league level makes him difficult to roster in most fantasy lineups, but his outstanding spring should at least be enough for managers to keep him on their radars.