Minnesota Twins-Kansas City Royals weather updates from Target Field

The second game of a four-game series between the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins at Target Field scheduled for Friday afternoon could be impacted by weather in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota Twins-Kansas City Royals live weather updates from Target Field

Rain has moved into the Twin Cities and is threatening to delay the start of the game between the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals, with first pitch originally scheduled for 3:10 p.m. (Central  time). Pablo Lopez (1-2, 3.00 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday against Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) in the fifth meeting of the season so far against the two teams. Minnesota posted a 7-1 decision on Thursday night and swept the Royals in Kansas City in a three-game series to open the 2023 campaign.

Teams were hopeful that the rain would move out before first pitch. However, batting practice on the field was canceled for both teams as the tarp stayed on the field and moderate rain fell two hours before first pitch.

“When we first got here today, they said they thought the back edge of the front would be moving out right around game time, or maybe slightly after that. However I haven’t heard another update for the last couple of hours,” Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters in his clubhouse office after the rain and chill moved the interview from the dugout indoors.

We are inside the press box at Target Field and will provide updates below. All times listed will be local time. Please hit refresh to make sure you are seeing the latest news and information from the Twin Cities.

1:27 p.m. — Rain continues to fall at Target Field. Tarp is still in place.

1:35 p.m. — Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is among a small group playing catch in the rain. Still light to moderate rain falling.

1:55 p.m. — No players are currently on the field. Rain has seemed to lessen, but no movement on the tarp or announcement about the status of the game.

2 p.m. — The Royals have returned to the field in small numbers, but still no signs of any Twins players.

2:10 p.m. — Future radar is showing that the rain could be done just after 5 p.m. However, still light rain falling now here at Target Field. No updates.

2:20 p.m. — The lights have come on here at Target Field and some fans are sitting under cover as rain still falls. Official announcement just made that first pitch will be delayed. No ETA.

2:26 p.m. — The sky seems to be getting lighter, as does the rain. Still no players on the field or movement on the tarp.

2:40 p.m. — Rain is lighter, but still no sign of any players or tarp shifting.

2:50 p.m. — Still no update on the start of the game. Some fans have made their way into the seating areas.

3 p.m. — The rain delay play list is going strong, but we’ve yet to hear “Purple Rain,” and that should be a crime not already playing it in Minnesota.

3:10 p.m. — No movement on tarp or news of change in delay. No sign of players either.

3:17 p.m. — Judging by the movement of the ponchos worn by the on-field staff, wind has picked up slightly. Cold, damp here in the Twin Cities.

3:26 p.m. — Well, at least that’s something…

3:30 p.m. — First pitch is now scheduled for 5:05 p.m. (Central)

3:42 p.m. — Grounds crew is stirring. Expecting some tarp movement shortly to keep up with the first pitch timing.

3:49 p.m. — Sure enough, the tarp has been removed. Now comes the work to get the field ready for play.

4:10 p.m. — Ground crew is working on the field. Rain seems to have stopped for the moment.

4:30 p.m. — The lines have been drawn on the field and players are starting their initial warm-ups.

4:40 p.m. — Tarp has been rolled up and field looks very playable. Looks like we are on course for that 5:05 p.m. first pitch.

4:55 p.m. — The national anthem has been sung and we are progressing toward first pitch.

5:02 p.m. — Player introductions are happening. We’re almost ready to play ball.