Winker is dealing with a left quadriceps injury but is expected to return to the lineup Friday against the Giants, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This explains why Winker is out of the lineup Thursday against right-hander Chris Bassitt. He sat out Monday and Wednesday as well, but those absences didn't really raise suspicions as the Reds faced lefties in those two games; Winker has made just three starts against left-handed pitching this season. The Reds seem confident that Winker won't need a stint on the injured list.

Winker remains out of the lineup Thursday against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was out of the lineup for two of the Reds' previous three games, with both absences coming against left-handed starters. But this absence against a right-hander in Chris Bassitt -- with the designated hitter available in an AL park -- should raise some eyebrows. There has been no mention of an injury to this point.

Winker is not starting Wednesday against lefty Brett Anderson and the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has started against just three of the seven lefties the Reds have faced this season. He has a career .558 OPS against lefties compared to a .919 mark against righties. Jose Peraza gets the start in left field.

Winker is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty Drew Pomeranz on the mound for the Giants and first pitch in the series finale set for 12:35 p.m. EDT, Winker will receive a routine breather. Jose Peraza will fill in for Winker in left field and bat eighth.

Winker will bat leadoff and start in left field Thursday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old will get his first look atop the lineup since April 14, presumably as a result of Joey Votto resting more than anything else. The Reds should use their more traditional starting nine in Friday's series opener against the Giants, so it's likely that Winker will shift down to the No. 3 or 4 spot in the lineup for that contest.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Monday's 5-4 win over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

He took Edwin Diaz deep in the top of the ninth inning to break up a 4-4 tie -- the first hit the Mets' closer has given up to a left-handed hitter this season. Winker is now slashing .239/.316/.534 through 28 games with eight homers, but only 13 RBI.

Winker hit a pinch-hit home run in a 4-2 victory over the Padres on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old didn't start Saturday because the Padres were sending left-hander Eric Lauer to the mound. Winker took advantage of his one at-bat against Matt Wisler, though, as he led off the seventh inning with a bomb. Winker is hitting .183 but has six home runs and 10 RBI in 60 at-bats this season.

Winker will sit Saturday against lefty Eric Lauer and the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

After finding himself on the bench for two of the Reds' first three contest, Winker started 14 of the next 16. He hasn't been as advertised at the plate, however, hitting just .169, though he does have a surprising five homers, just two shy of his career high already. Matt Kemp starts at left field in San Diego.

Winker is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Despite emerging as the Reds' hottest hitter with four home runs in his last five games, Winker will retreat to the bench with a tough lefty (Clayton Kershaw) on the mound for the Dodgers. Winker will continue to sit against southpaws every so often, but the 25-year-old should otherwise maintain a relatively stable role as the team's leadoff hitter.

Winker went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's 9-5 loss to St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Make that four homers in the last five games for Winker, who started the season 1-for-24. All eight of his RBI this season have come in the last five games as well.