Sorry for the delay. Had lots of pregame stuff to hammer out.

The Twins were all over the San Diego area during their off day on Monday. Brandon Kintzler was at a safari park when he was informed that he had been traded. A group of Twins visited Navy SEAL training headquarters. Manager Paul Molitor played golf with his agent, John Boggs.

So they are relaxed and refreshed as they open a two-game series against the Padres.

Let's see how refreshed they are. Some of the conversation before the game was about how they want to finish the season strong despite the recent trades of Jaime Garcia and Brandon Kintzler.

"There will be no white flags being waved in here," second baseman Brian Dozier said.

We'll see. I was talking to a press box wag where who said the visiting team has a poor record in the first game here coming off an off-day in San Diego. We're about to find out.

Dillon Gee is here, and will pitch in long relief.

Aldalberto Mejia has been named the starter for Thursday's game against Texas.

Bartolo Colon will start on Friday.

It's game time.

Twins

Brian Dozier, 2B
Max Kepler, RF
Miguel Sano, 3B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Zack Granite, LF
Byron Buxton, CF
Jason Castro, C
Jose Berrios, RHP

Jose Berrios, RHP


Padres

Manuel Margot, CF
Carlos Asuaje, 2B
Jose Pirela, LF
Yangervis Solarte, SS
Wil Myers, 1B
Cory Spangenberg, 3B
Hunter Renfroe, RF
Austin Hedges, C
Jhoulys Chacin, RHP