Winker (neck) has gone 5-for-13 with three solo home runs and four walks through the first five games of his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Even before he landed on the injured list May 30 with a cervical strain, Winker was enduring a rough first season in Milwaukee, slashing just .204/.315/.231 with a 24.4 percent strikeout rate over 127 plate appearances. Not only has Winker looked healthy during his rehab assignment, but he's finally started to show the power that he's been missing all season, as he's now left the yard three times with Nashville after failing to do so with Milwaukee. Though the quality of competition has certainly helped Winker find some success of late, the productive run at Triple-A along with his prior track record at the big-league level may be reason enough to scoop up the 29-year-old off the waiver wire on speculation if he was dropped in deeper leagues. He'll likely be back with Milwaukee for its weekend series with Pittsburgh and should quickly reclaim primary designated-hitter duties from Jonathan Singleton.

Winker (neck) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker underwent neck surgery over the offseason and just over a week ago went on the injured list with a cervical strain. However, he's evidently feeling well enough to test things out in game action. Given his relatively brief period of down time, Winker shouldn't need many rehab contests before being activated.

Winker was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to May 28, with a cervical strain.

EDGE Analysis

The injury had been described as neck discomfort, but further resting revealed the strain. There is not yet an estimated recovery timetable on Winker, who has scuffled to a brutal .204/.315/.231 batting line in 39 games when healthy this season for the Brewers. Abraham Toro will fill the vacant spot in Milwaukee's active roster.

Winker was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against San Francisco with neck discomfort, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Darin Ruf was a late addition to the lineup in place of Winker, who can be viewed as day-to-day. Even if the injury proves to be minor and Winker is back in the lineup for the start of the Brewers' six-game week Tuesday in Toronto, he's given fantasy managers little reason to justify activating him. He's batting just .204 and has yet to hit a home run or steal a base across 127 plate appearances on the season.

Winker isn't in Milwaukee's lineup Friday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Winker will begin Friday's game in the dugout as the Giants prepare to start a left-handed pitcher for the second consecutive game. Darin Ruf will assume the designated hitter role for Milwaukee and bat leadoff.

Winker isn't in the Brewers' lineup Thursday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

The Giants will open the game with southpaw Scott Alexander before turning it over to their bullpen, so Winker will start Thursday's contest in the dugout. Darin Ruf will fill in as Milwaukee's designated hitter and bat second.

Winker is not in the starting lineup Sunday versus the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Winker will take a seat as the Brewers face left-hander Jalen Beeks on the mound Sunday. Darin Ruf will take over at designated hitter and bat fifth in the series finale with Tampa Bay.

Winker is out of the lineup Wednesday versus the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was on the bench Tuesday with the Cardinals throwing left-hander Jordan Montgomery and he'll remain there Wednesday with young southpaw Matthew Liberatore set to toe the slab. William Contreras is taking a turn as the DH and Victor Caratini is catching.

Winker is out of the lineup Tuesday versus the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Milwaukee will go heavy on right-handed hitters with left-hander Jordan Montgomery set to toe the slab for St. Louis. Darin Ruf is serving as the DH and batting fifth.

Winker is not in the lineup Friday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Luke Voit will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth with left-hander Josh Taylor on the mound first for Kansas City. William Contreras is up to the No. 2 spot in the Brewers' batting order for Friday's series opener.