Winker (hip) will lead off and play left field Thursday against the Royals, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was scratched Monday with a sore hip, but the Reds called that decision "very precautionary." That appears to be correct, as he's now back in the lineup just three days later. Opening Day is still four weeks away, so he'll have plenty of time to get up to speed by the start of the season.

Winker's removal from the lineup with a sore hip prior to Monday's game against Oakland was "very precautionary" per manager David Bell, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Teams have very little reason not to be cautious this early in camp, so it's no surprise to see that the Reds aren't particularly worried about Winker's health. "He's come into spring training and really ramped up fast," stated manager David Bell. "I think that's a good sign that he was feeling so strong and really excited to be here. Sometimes you do have to be a little careful." While he may sit for a few more days in that same spirit of caution, his readiness for Opening Day isn't under serious threat.

Winker was scratched from the lineup ahead of Monday's game against Oakland due to a sore right hip, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue doesn't sound particularly serious, and Opening Day is still a full month away, but it would obviously be preferable for Winker to not already be battling even a minor injury so early in camp. He's coming off a strong year but may be forced to fight for at-bats this season as the designated hitter spot he occupied for much of last year won't be used in the National League, so any extended absence could hurt his push for playing time. Mark Payton will play left field in his absence Monday.

Reds manager David Bell said that Winker worked "really hard" over the offseason to improve his defense and has increased his speed, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.. "I don't know how he did that," Bell said. "Every extra step is a big deal."

EDGE Analysis

Without the DH in the NL, Winker's defensive ability takes on a greater sense of urgency. The Reds already have a defensive liability in right field in Nick Castellanos, and Winker previously has been rated poorly as a defender. The team would prefer not to be below average in both corners, and a lack of improvement could lead to either Winker or Castellanos being replaced in the late innings frequently.

Winker and the Reds avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.15 million contract Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker took a step forward at the plate in 2020, though it's perhaps more accurate to say he took two steps forward and one step back. He was suddenly no longer a contact hitter, as his 25.1 percent strikeout rate was nearly 10 points worse than the 15.2 percent mark he managed over his first three seasons, but he more than made up for it with a big jump in power. His .289 ISO smashed his .181 mark through his first three campaigns, leading to 12 homers in just 54 games and an overall .255/.388/.544 slash line.

Winker is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker seemed to be breaking out of his platoon role earlier this season, but he's been struggling in a major way and this marks his third consecutive absence against a lefty. Joey Votto will DH against Rich Hill while Aristides Aquino, Nick Senzel and Nick Castellanos play the outfield from left to right.

Winker went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

At one point the hottest hitter in all of Major League Baseball, Winker has cooled in September, hitting .095 in 42 at-bats around a stretch of missed time due to back tightness. He's fallen in the order against righties as a result, and Winker has also sat against the left two lefties the Reds have faced.

Winker isn't starting Saturday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Winker blasted a three-run homer Friday, and Saturday's absence appears to be routine with left-hander Dallas Keuchel on the mound for the White Sox. Tyler Stephenson will serve as the designated hitter.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Friday's 7-1 win over the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Winker hit the Reds' fourth homer of the night off Chicago starter Jonathan Stiever and it was a no-doubter, traveling 447 feet. The long ball snapped an 0-for-23 skid at the plate for Winker, who recently missed a stretch of time with back tightness. Overall, he's slashing .263/.381/.556 with 11 homers, 22 RBI, 23 runs scored and one stolen base.

Winker (back) returns to the lineup Tuesday against the Pirates, batting sixth as the designated hitter.

EDGE Analysis

Winker had been sidelined since leaving Thursday's game against the Cubs with a tight back. His return should be a boost to the Reds' lineup, as he hit a strong .276/.400/.569 with 10 homers in 150 plate appearances prior to the injury.