Giants, Rockies, Dodgers at Target Field as Twins release 2020 schedule

The Twins have the earliest opener in team history in 2020, when they start the season March 26 at Oakland.

The first game at Target Field will be Thursday, April 2, also against the Athletics.

The Twins' schedule includes interleague games against the National League West. They'll play the Los Angeles Dodgers both at Target Field and at Dodger Stadium, will have home series against San Francisco and Colorado, and will play at Arizona and San Diego.

The Twins also will play two interleague series against the Brewers.

Home games against Boston (April 24-26), the Yankees (June 18-21) and the Astros (July 31-Aug. 2) are highlights. Target Field games on weekdays will again start at 6:40 p.m. in April, May and September.

The Twins will face each team in the AL Central 19 times.

Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz, on the 10-day injured list because of a ruptured tendon in his left wrist, was cleared to resume baseball activities Monday.

Cruz was in New York to be examined by hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham.

After getting the go-ahead to start working out again, Cruz jumped on a plane to Milwaukee, where he will join teammates as they open a two-game series against the Brewers. He won't be eligible to come off the injured list until Aug. 19.

Pitcher Michael Pineda is eligible to be activated from the injured list after recovering from a triceps strain. He should return to the mound during the weekend series in Arlington, Texas, against the Rangers.

Reliever Sam Dyson (right biceps tendinitis) is eligible to come off the injured list Tuesday. He threw in the bullpen Sunday and all signs point to him being activated this week.

Center fielder Byron Buxton can also be activated, but it looks as if he will need another week or so to fully recover from the left shoulder subluxation he suffered in Miami.