Rain forces Twins to double up Thursday in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – The tarp was pulled over the infield at Progressive Field about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Rain began about an hour after that, with the forecast calling for rain for much of the evening.

So the Twins' game against the Indians was postponed, the fourth time Cleveland has had a rainout this season.

The teams will meet Thursday in a traditional doubleheader.

In Game 1, Twins righthander Kyle Gibson will face Indians righthander Corey Kluber. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.

In Game 2, righthander Ricky Nolasco will face Indians lefthander T.J. House. Game 2 will begin roughly 30 minutes after the completion of the first game.

Kluber has allowed four or fewer runs in each of his past 29 starts, the longest streak in the majors.

House was originally scheduled to start Wednesday. Because of that, Danny Santana was on the bench.

"Lefthanded, he feels real comfortable," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Swinging righthanded, he says he still feels a little soreness in his lower back. We're just trying to stay away from that, plus the rain."

There's a chance Santana will be in the lineup for Game 1 now, since he can bat lefthanded against Kluber.

Tommy Milone threw in the bullpen early Wednesday afternoon — beating the rain — and was deemed ready to start Sunday in Chicago.

Milone was scratched from his last start because of a tired arm, something he's dealt with in the past.

"He told me everything was good," Gardenhire said. "So he's back on line."