Winker (side) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Winker's absence was fully expected after he was forced to exit Sunday's loss to the Rockies with an injury to the lower left side of his body. The Reds are planning to send him in for a more thorough examination Monday, which should provide more specificity regarding the injury along with a potential recovery timeline. For now, the team is viewing Winker's injury as a day-to-day concern.

Winker confirmed that his injury was to his lower left side or back, and that he'll be evaluated further Monday to determine whether he needs to go on the IL, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "My lower left back, side area tightened up," Winker said. "I was feeling some tightness in my right rib cage as well."

EDGE Analysis

Winker hasn't had an injury of this nature before. Given that the Reds have no off-days scheduled until July 24, they might be compelled to make a roster move if Winker needs to sit out more than a day or two.

Winker left Sunday's game against the Rockies in the middle of an at-bat after appearing to suffer an oblique or ribcage injury.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was taken out during a 2-2 count and replaced by Sonny Gray as a sacrificial lamb for the remainder of the at-bat. Jose Peraza, who had pinch hit earlier in the inning, took his place in the field.

Winker will sit against lefty Kyle Freeland and the Rockies on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Winker hasn't started against a lefty since late May. Phillip Ervin will start in left field, as he's done against the previous six southpaws the Reds have faced.

Winker went 3-for-3 and scored the game's only run in Thursday's win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Winker hit a leadoff double in the bottom of the first inning and came around to score the only run the Reds would need in a 1-0 win. His three hits were one more than the entire Brewers team could manage. Winker's batting average rose nine points to .257 thanks to his big night, though he's well below the .298 and .299 batting averages he recorded in his first two seasons.

Winker is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Despite going 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 8-6 loss in the series opener, Winker will find himself on the bench as the Reds oppose a right-handed starter (Chase Anderson). Considering Yasiel Puig received Monday off, manager David Bell may just be looking to keep some of the Reds' bench players involved now that Scooter Gennett's recent return from the injured list leaves one less spot available in the lineup. With Winker sitting Tuesday, Phillip Ervin will check into left field.

Winker is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker will once again head to the bench against a left-hander with Jon Lester on the mound for the Cubs. Phillip Ervin will start in left field and bat sixth in his absence.

Winker is not in Saturday's lineup against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

He has been sitting against lefties lately, and that will be the case again with Jose Quintana on the hill for Chicago. Phillip Ervin will start in left field and hit seventh.

Winker is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has an .882 OPS in June but will head to the bench Friday with left-hander Cole Hamels on the mound for the Cubs. Phillip Ervin will start in left field and bat seventh in his absence.

Winker will be on the bench against lefty Andrew Heaney and the Angels on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

As usual, Winker won't get to start against a southpaw. Phillip Ervin gets the nod in left field in his absence.