Bobby Nightengale

Taj Bradley became the first pitcher in Twins history to complete an immaculate inning, striking out three batters in nine pitches during the fifth

The center fielder has reached base in 40 of 43 games since returning from injury, and Byron Buxton’s latest setback could create a path for the 21-year-old to finally get the call.

Buxton, who already had two stints on the injured list because of a right hip strain, left in the seventh inning due to an injury.

The A’s rallied to a 7-4 victory on Wednesday as the Twins played without Buxton. Top prospect Walker Jenkins waits in the wings.

The Twins' West Coast road trip started with some hope of the team gaining ground in the AL wild card race.

The All-Star righthander threw 26 pitches in simulated live at-bats Wednesday, and no balls were put in play as he generated eight whiffs.

With center fielder Byron Buxton injured, the 21-year-old Jenkins was promoted from the Class AAA Saints amid an August hot streak at the plate.

MINNEAPOLIS — With the Twins slipping out of the playoff race, the club is hoping prized outfield prospect Walker Jenkins can help save their season.

MINNEAPOLIS — With the Twins slipping out of the playoff race, the club is hoping prized outfield prospect Walker Jenkins can help save their season.

The Twins are four games out of a playoff spot and 6½ behind the first-place White Sox. With 28 games left and 15 straight against AL Central opponents ahead, their season has entered dangerous territory.