Winker (back) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Winker returned from a rib injury Friday but failed to complete a full game before getting hurt again, as he exited after getting hit by a pitch on his back. This latest injury presumably isn't a long-term problem, but it will cost him at least one start. Max Schrock starts in left field Saturday, with Delino DeShields starting in center, the spot Winker occupied in his return to action.

Winker exited Friday's game against the Dodgers after being hit by a pitch in the back, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friday's contest was Winker's first game back since landing on the injured list with a rib injury on Aug. 15. It's unclear how serious the new issue may be, but the fact that he has also dealt with back problems at various points in the campaign raises the level of concern.

The Reds activated Winker (ribs) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

An intercostal strain has sidelined the outfielder since mid-August but he's back to help the Reds battle for a wild-card spot. Slashing .307/.395/.560 with 24 home runs and 71 RBI this season, Winker is undoubtedly one of his team's best hitters and figures to occupy the two-spot in Cincinnati's lineup going forward. He fills the roster spot of Tyler Naquin (ribs), who went on the injured list Friday.

Winker (ribs) will play in another rehab game Thursday and could return as soon as Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has been out for just over a month while battling an intercostal strain. He's gone 0-for-5 in a pair of rehab games thus far, but the Reds have started losing ground in a very tight playoff race and may decide that he's their best option even if he hasn't quite found his groove yet.

Winker (ribs) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Winker's last game action came nearly a month ago Aug. 15. That suggests he may need more than a game or two before he's ready to return, though the Reds are locked into a very tight playoff race, which could inspire them to bring Winker back as quickly as possible.

Winker (ribs) hit on the field Friday and could go on a rehab assignment soon if his body recovers well from the activity, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

An intercostal strain has kept Winker out for nearly a month. Reports from last Friday indicated that the outfielder was about a week from beginning a rehab assignment, and he still appears to be on that same timeline.

Winker (ribs) is still a week away from beginning a rehab assignment, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has been out since mid-August with an intercostal strain. He recently resumed baseball activities but needs some time before he's ready for game action. The stated timeline should still give him a chance to return from the injured list in mid-September.

Winker (ribs) recently started throwing and is expected to begin swinging a bat this week, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Winker had yet to resume baseball activities and was still "a couple weeks away" from returning from the injured list, but the outfielder has apparently made some progress over the past few days. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, the 28-year-old should continue ramping up his baseball work, and he's likely looking at a potential activation in mid-September.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Winker (ribs) has yet to resume baseball activities and remains "a couple weeks away" from returning from the injured list, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker is rehabbing in Cincinnati while the team is on a road trip, and it's unclear when he may be able to resume baseball activities. The 28-year-old landed on the shelf Aug. 16 with an intercostal strain, and given his current progression he may not rejoin the big-league roster before mid-September.

Winker (ribs) hasn't yet resumed baseball activities, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker landed on the 10-day injured list with an intercostal strain Monday, and the Reds were initially hopeful that he'd be able to return when he's first eligible. However, manager David Bell said Thursday that he expects the 28-year-old to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the shelf. A better timetable for Winker's return should come into focus once he resumes baseball activities.