Byron Buxton is out on the field as I write this, getting used to his new surroundings. Outfield coach Butch Davis is out hitting him balls, and the two are going over the nooks and crannies of Target Field.

Davis is hitting balls off the wall, so Buxton can work on how to play them. Buxton even is throwing a few balls off the wall, just to see how they react.

After playing one game in Texas and three in St. Louis, Buxton will make his Target Field debut tonight as the Twins play host to the Cardinals.

``Very special," Buxton said during an afternoon press conference before he went out for early work. ``Especially not being on the field since 2012. This is one of the dreams I wanted to do, to go out there and play center field with the Twins one day. And I'm finally getting that to happen today so I'm very anxious to get out there."

Buxton is referring to the year he was drafted.

The Twins could use anything Buxton can give them. They are 4-11 this month. They are batting .211 in June. And they are 3-6 in games decided by two or fewer runs.

There's talk of a sellout crowd headed here tonight to watch one of baseball's top prospects. Buxton's fiance' and parents will be in attendance as well.

Buxton now is in center as Torii Hunter is in the cage, working on reading the off the bat.


Twins manager Paul Molitor doesn't want to overhaul the batting order, but he's trying Joe Mauer in the No. 2 hole tonight as the Twins are searching for offense. This is the second time this season Mauer has batted second.


St. Louis

Kolten Wong, 2B
Matt Carpenter, 3B
Jhonny Peralta, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Randal Grichuk, LF
Yadier Molina, C
Jason Heyward, RF
Peter Bourjos, CF
Pete Kozma, SS

Carlos Martinez, SS

Twins

Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Torii Hunter, RF
Eddie Rosario, LF
Eduardo Nunez, SS
Kennys Vargas, DH
Chris Herrmann, C
Byron Buxton, CF

Tommy Milone, LHP