Winker has another avenue for playing time with the implementation of the universal DH for the 2020 season, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Neither Winker nor Nick Castellanos are considered good defensive outfielders, but both have sufficiently productive bats to try together them in the lineup more often. They are probably the two outfielders most likely to slot in as the DH. Winker still might sit frequently against left-handed pitching, however. In 147 major league plate appearances against lefties, Winker hit .176/.295/.248 with only two homers.

Winker (illness) is batting second as the designated hitter in Friday's Cactus League game against the A's.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old was expected to serve as the designated hitter for Wednesday's contest before being scratched with the ailment, but he'll slot back into that role for Friday's matchup. Winker had an .830 OPS in 113 games last season and is competing for time in Cincinnati's crowded outfield following the offseason acquisitions of Nick Castellanos, Shogo Akiyama and Travis Jankowski (hamstring).

Winker won't play Wednesday in the Reds' 'B' game against the White Sox due to an illness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Andy Masur of 720 WGN Chicago, Winker had been scheduled to serve as the Reds' designated hitter and leadoff man Wednesday before the ailment thwarted the plan. He'll likely only need a couple days off to recover from the illness.

Winker (wrist) is in the lineup for Friday's spring game against the A's, according to MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has not played since being hit by a pitch on the wrist Sunday, but he is ready to get back on the field after a few days of rest and recovery. Winker will be limited to DH duty Friday, but his presence in the lineup confirms he is not dealing with any sort of serious injury.

Winker said Monday that his wrist felt fine and that his X-rays came back negative, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist during the first inning, but the injury doesn't appear to be too severe. He had a bruise on his wrist, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to a full workload in the coming days.

Winker exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the White Sox after being hit by a pitch on the left wrist during the first inning, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was immediately replaced by a pinch runner, though he indicated he was fine after exiting the contest. Regardless, it's worth keeping an eye on his availability in the coming days with spring training just getting started this weekend.

Winker (neck) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's spring opener against the White Sox, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has been sidelined since late August due to a cervical strain, but he'll be ready to return to action for the Reds on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw consistent playing time in Cincinnati last season prior to his injury, but he could face competition heading into 2020 after the Reds acquired Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama during the offseason.

Winker (neck) could face significant competition for playing time this season, following the Reds' signings of Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama.

EDGE Analysis

Right now Winker has to both prove that he's healthy and then beat out Akiyama or Nick Senzel for playing time, not to mention Aristides Aquino. At best, a platoon role seems most likely absent a trade and/or an injury.

Winker (neck) returned to Cincinnati on Wednesday to receive additional treatment for the cervical strain, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was rehabbing with the team during the current road trip but returned to Cincinnati due to his slow progress. The 26-year-old didn't suffer a setback, but manager David Bell said, "[Winker] wasn't responding to the treatment as fast as we thought."

Winker was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a cervical strain, retroactive to Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has been out of the starting lineup since Aug. 15, so the Reds have elected to place him on the injured list. It's unclear if he'll be able to return after the 10-day minimum, but he'll be eligible to be activated beginning Aug. 29.