On the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday, leave it to a player nicknamed “Captain America” to get the proverbial fireworks going. Walker Jenkins ignited his first home run since returning to Triple-A St. Paul following a shoulder injury, adding onto a week with a storyline fit for the silver screen.
The home run heroics helped lift the Saints to a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Bisons at CHS Field.
Batting in the leadoff spot, Jenkins started the game with a single in the bottom of the first. He upped the ante in his next at-bat, jumping on the first pitch and sending it 380 feet beyond the right-field fence. It was his third St. Paul home run this season and fifth overall after adding a pair during his rehab stint with Single-A Fort Myers and High-A Cedar Rapids during June.
The Twins’ top prospect got off to a hot start this season before suffering a left shoulder AC joint sprain in early May after colliding with an outfield wall. After a brief rehab assignment, he made his triumphant return to Triple-A on June 23 and picked up right where he left off. In the seven games back with the Saints, Jenkins has gone 10-for-28 with two doubles, two triples and a home run.
COMPLETE TWINS PROSPECT COVERAGE
But for MLB’s No. 14 prospect, his superhuman performances extend beyond what appears in the boxscore. On Wednesday, he came to the aid of a young fan, whisking him from the field to ensure he received medical attention in a timely manner. Captain America, indeed.
On top of that, Jenkins was named to the American League All-Star Futures Game roster, which will take place next Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. It will be his first time playing on the national stage after being hampered by injuries in his first two pro seasons.
There will be plenty of literal fireworks at Minor League ballparks across the country tomorrow, but at the rate Jenkins is going, he is sure to add some pyrotechnics of his own.