For the first time ever, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are in the same Twins lineup.

``It's just like double-A," Buxton said, ``but better."

Well, it won't count if the game is not played. A line of storms brought a downpour followed by steady rain that took awhile to taper off. But the storms have passed and the O's have announced that first pitch will take place about 8:35 p.m. Game on!

Buxton was called up to replace the injured Aaron Hicks in the lineup. Twins manager Paul Molitor wasn't sure if he was going to bat Buxton in the leadoff spot, but did so after looking at a few options. It's up to Buxton now to stay in that role

``I'm so happy," Sano said. ``He is a great player and he is my friend."

Glen Perkins has re-joined the club after receiving not one, but two cortisone shots in his neck to treat a bulging disk. Did he have a story to tell.

It started bothering him in late June, but it wasn't as bad as late last season, when he also had numbness in his shoulder and arm. So he through he could fight through it. He began to get worried when he warmed up poorly before his All-Star Game appearance.

But he can tell the shot is working already. It usually takes three days for the shot to work through the affected area. Perkins will likely play catch Saturday, throw in the bullpen Sunday, enjoy Monday's off day then be ready Tuesday against the Rays.

Kevin Jepsen is expected to get closing duties in Perkins' absence. But Molitor might be tempted to give Trevor May a chance too.

Tyler Duffey makes his third start with the Twins. It will be a tester, as he's in a small-ish park facing a team with 15 homers in six games during its homestand.

Twins

Byron Buxton, CF
Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Miguel Sano, DH
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Eddie Rosario, LF
Torii Hunter, CF
Kurt Suzuki. C
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Tyler Duffey, RHP

Orioles

Manny Machado, 3B
Gerardo Parra, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Steve Clevenger, DH
J.J. Hardy, SS
Henry Urrutia, LF

Miguel Gonzalez.