The Twins placed Nick Blackburn on the 15-day disabled list with a right lateral forearm strain and promoted reliever Lester Oliveros, one of two pitchers obtained in the Delmon Young trade, from Class AAA Rochester.

Oliveros is here tonight, wearing No. 17.

Michael Cuddyer is back in the lineup for the first time since Aug. 10, playing right field. Justin Morneau is out again with a sore foot, and Tsuyoshi Nishioka is still out with a sore back.

Several Twins caught up with J.J. Hardy before batting practice. I'll have more on Hardy's thoughts about being traded to the Orioles for tonight's first editions.

Jim Thome, always a gentleman, politely declined comment about the prospect of being traded, even though there are reports that the Twins have placed him on trade waivers. Believe me when I say this: The Twins won't do anything unless Mr. Thome is on board.

Update: Blackburn had an MRI exam today and will see a specialist Tuesday.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said Morneau will have an MRI if his foot isn't feeling better tomorrow.

Nishioka is available off the bench, but the Twins are trying to give him a couple days away from swinging a bat. It's his lower-back/oblique area that's bothering him.

Denard Span is going to take a week away from Target Field to clear his head. The Twins hope getting away from the team will speed his recovery from migraine symptoms.

ORIOLES (47-77)

1. J.J. Hardy, SS
2. Nick Markakis, RF
3. Adam Jones, CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH
5. Matt Wieters, C
6. Mark Reynolds, 1B
7. Robert Andino, 3B
8. Nolan Reimold, LF
9. Ryan Adams, 2B

Starting pitcher: LH Zach Britton (6-9, 4.66 ERA)

TWINS (55-71)

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, SS
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Jason Kubel, LF
6. Jim Thome, DH
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Luke Hughes, 2B
9. Drew Butera, C

Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.52 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network