The tarp is covering the infield at Target Field, but The Weather Channel's forecast looks favorable to play ball during the evening hours.

Weather permitting, the Twins will open a nine-game homestand against the Royals, with Kevin Slowey pitching opposite reigning Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.

Michael Cuddyer returns from the bereavement list today, and we'll find out soon about the corresponding roster move. Orlando Hudson and J.J. Hardy were both candidates to go on the DL, as of Sunday, because of sore wrists.

Update: Justin Morneau is back in the lineup, but Hudson and Hardy are not. Stay tuned.

Update: The Twins placed Hudson on the 15-day DL. He visited the Arizona doctor who performed his 2008 surgery and checked out fine, but a few more days of rest was recommended.

Hardy had a cortisone shot in his left wrist. The medication he began taking last weekend has helped, and with the cortisone shot, there's hope that he'll be full-go by Thursday.

Update: I just wrote a Hardy item for my notebook. Figured I should post it here to give you guys a clearer picture of what's going on:

Shortstop J.J. Hardy had another MRI exam on his left wrist Tuesday, which showed no new damage beyond the bone bruise he suffered May 4. The wrist flared up on Hardy again last week, and he hasn't done anything except pinch run and play shortstop since Friday. He began taking anti-inflammatory medication this weekend, and it was said to be working, so Hardy also had a cortisone shot Tuesday.
The Twins hope Hardy can return to the lineup Thursday, but when he swings, one of his wrist bones rubs against the bone with the bruise.
"There's really nothing I can do," Hardy said. "I want to play, but if it's not going to get better, and I have to play with it the rest of the season, that might not be the way to go. I'm hoping these five days and a cortisone shot will do it. If not, they mentioned wrapping it up for 5-7 days and not moving it at all, just to give it a chance to heal."

Update: First pitch was 7:12. Weather turned out nice.

ROYALS (24-34)

1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Jason Kendall, C
3. David DeJesus, RF
4. Billy Butler, 1B
5. Jose Guillen, DH
6. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
7. MAvilesAviles, 2B
8. Maier Maier, CF
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Zack Greinke (1-7, 3.60 ERA)

TWINS (33-24)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. Nick Punto, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Kevin Slowey (6-3, 3.84 ERA)

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