UP IN CHOKE

Wild-card lead shrivels to one as Yankees get two-hit by Twins

MINNEAPOLIS — The Yankees’ strongest unit could be adding more muscle soon.

Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session in Tampa on Wednesday, traveled to New York in the evening and is scheduled to receive treatment on his left knee Thursday.

According to manager Aaron Boone, the All-Star closer is moving in the right direction as far as returning from the disabled list, where he has been since Aug. 22 with tendinitis in the hinge.

“We hope that he will throw another [bullpen session] this weekend and possibly a [simulated game] after that, and hopefully, if everything goes well, be back with us sometime next week,’’ Boone said prior to Wednesday night’s 3-1 loss to the Twins at Target Field.

While Zach Britton, David Robertson (Wednesday’s outing aside) and Dellin Betances have covered in the absence of Chapman, who has 31 saves, there is no denying the Yankees are better with a healthy and effective Chapman.

“You can look at it the same way you look at our lineup. When we were at our best, it was the length of our lineup. We could hurt you from anywhere,’’ Boone said. “Same way with our bullpen. When you add another guy of Chapman’s capabilities to an already strong group, it just allows you in some cases to shorten the game even more.’’

Yankees relievers now have 657 strikeouts, which is the third best bullpen total in major league history. The Rays bullpen took 659 into Wednesday. Last year’s Astros set the record with 662.

Aaron Judge didn’t take a gigantic step Wednesday, but the right fielder hit in a regular batting-practice group as opposed to participating in early hitting. It was the first time Judge hit with teammates since going on the DL in late July with a fractured right wrist. Earlier, Judge took fly balls and ground balls.

Boone said Judge won’t join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on a rehab assignment with the RailRiders, who are in the International League finals against Durham. Instead, Judge could head to Tampa to get some simulated game at-bats at the minor league complex.

“We are not there on deciding exactly when or where as far what the best way is to get some at-bats,’’ Boone said.

Brett Gardner wasn’t in the lineup for the second straight game due to a leg problem that surfaced Monday night, when he made a diving catch in left field.

“I think he will be available today,” Boone said. “He had pretty good swelling in there [Tuesday]. He feels a lot better today, a lot of that swelling is out and hoping he is an option for us today. Especially hoping he should be good to go on Friday.’’

Following the game, Gardner said he could have played and will be ready Friday.

With Giancarlo Stanton going from the DH slot to left field, Boone inserted Luke Voit at DH and started Greg Bird at first base.

It was Bird’s second start in the past 12 games. His eighth-inning double, the Yankees’ first hit of the game, drove in Voit for their only run.

The Yankees elevated righthander Chance Adams from Triple-A to provide coverage in the bullpen. Adams was not needed.

Luis Severino, who allowed one run in 5 2/ innings, was the lone bright spot in the Yankees’ 3-1 loss Wednesday night. The Bombers were no-hit by Jake 3 Odorizzi through 71/ and couldn’t get a big hit when it mattered as their lead over the A’s to host the wild-card game was reduced to one game. 3

Getty Images IN THE SWING: Aaron Judge takes batting practice with the rest of the Yankees for the first time since going on the DL in late July.