Winker (back) is expected to return to the lineup Sunday or Monday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was absent from both Friday and Saturday's games against the Phillies while working through tightness in his lower back. The Reds got good news following an examination Saturday, however, so it looks as though he'll miss at most one more game.

Winker (back) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The outfielder is out again after being scratched from Friday's game with lower back tightness, and it's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench Saturday. Aristides Aquino will start in left field and bat seventh.

Winker was scratched form the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies due to lower back tightness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was replaced by Shogo Akiyama in the lineup shortly before the start of Friday's contest. It's not yet clear when the 27-year-old will be able to return to action.

Winker was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against the Phillies, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear why he was scratched. Shogo Akiyama was added to the lineup in center field with Tyler Naquin sliding over to left.

Winker went 3-for-4 with a grand slam and a pair of runs scored in Thursday's blowout win over the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Winker slugged his grand slam off Atlanta starter Kyle Muller in the second inning, giving the Reds a 4-1 lead. It was the 24th round tripper of the season for Winker, who snapped a mini three-game hitless skid and later added a double and a single. The 27-year-old has been one of the biggest breakout stars of 2021, slashing .309/.397/.562 with 71 runs driven in.

Winker will be on the bench Tuesday against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Winker sits for the first time in over a month. It's no surprise to see his day off come against a southpaw (Drew Smyly), as he owns a 53 wRC+ against lefties this season compared to a 182 wRC+ against righties, but there's been no indication he's about to slip into a platoon role. Aristides Aquino will start in left field in his absence.

Winker went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored Sunday in the Reds' 3-2 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The two-bagger was Winker's third in as many days and his 14th in 22 games since the All-Star break, allowing him to match Atlanta's Ozzie Albies for the MLB lead in the category (31). Even in traditional rotisserie leagues where he doesn't gain extra value for doubles, Winker has been a solid four-category producer in the second half with four home runs, 17 RBI, 17 runs and a .341 average. His efforts have helped keep the Reds alive in the National League wild-card race while outfield mate and fellow All-Star Nick Castellanos has missed time with a wrist injury.

Winker went 3-for-5 with a home run and six RBI on Saturday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Winker got the Reds on the board with an RBI double in the third inning, drove in two more runs with a single in the sixth, then capped off his performance with three-run homer in the eighth. His day actually could have been more prolific had he not flied out with the bases loaded in the fourth. Winker is off to a scorching start to August, hitting .421 (8-for-19) with six extra-base hits in six games. For the season, he's slashing .307/.390/.57 with 23 homers and 67 RBI.

Winker went 2-for-2 with two walks, a double, a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 10-0 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old continues to enjoy a breakout campaign. Winker's 22 homers, 61 RBI and 72 runs are already career highs, and he's on pace for personal bests in batting average (.303) and SLG (.546) as well.

Winker went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has come out of the All-Star break on a tear, hitting .319 with a whopping 11 doubles through 17 games. He's now up to 28 doubles on the season, placing him in a tie for fifth place among all players. Though Minnesota is bringing lefty Charlie Barnes to the hill for the series finale Wednesday, the lefty-hitting Winker will stick in the lineup, manning left field and batting second.