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

EDGE Analysis

Winker will hit the bench for the second time in as many games, with both absences surprisingly coming against right-handed pitchers (Trevor Williams and Zach Davies). The expectation heading into the season was that the lefty-hitting Winker would at least be a full-time regular versus righty pitching, but the back-to-back benchings suddenly makes his role more of a question mark. Matt Kemp will man left field in Winker's stead once again.

Winker isn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker was slated to sit out Saturday prior to the game raining out, but the Reds maintained a similar lineup Sunday. Winker is still expected to draw the majority of starts alongside Scott Schebler and Yasiel Puig, though it is a bit surprising to see him out of the lineup against right-handed starter Trevor Williams.

Winker isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds are opposing a right-handed pitcher (Trevor Williams) in their second game of the season, leaving the lefty-hitting Winker's exclusion from the starting nine somewhat of a surprise. Manager David Bell may just be looking to keep his bench players sharp early in the season, as Matt Kemp draws in for Winker in left field. Winker is still expected to start the overwhelming share of the Reds' games and serve as the team's primary table setter.

Winker will lead off on Opening Day against the Pirates, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker certainly doesn't have the speed of a traditional leadoff man, but he has the on-base skills that fit the modern requirements for the spot, posting a career on-base percentage of .397 through 136 games. He'll be followed by a trio of quality power bats in Joey Votto, Yasiel Puig and Eugenio Suarez, so he could be in line for plenty of runs in the Reds' hitter-friendly home park.

Winker played two innings in center field Saturday and four innings there on Sunday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Winker will still be the starting left fielder, but will also back up Scott Schebler for as long as Nick Senzel is down in the minors. "We need to make sure that we have someone who can play out there," Bell said on Sunday. "Talking to guys that have seen Jesse play out there, he's done it before."

EDGE Analysis

Winker played some center field in the minors at Triple-A Louisville, but he's not especially fleet of foot. But the Reds want to leave Yasiel Puig alone in right field, instead of experimenting with playing him in center.

Winker has failed to record a hit in his 13 spring at-bats, but manager David Bell isn't concerned, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

When asked if there was concern over Winker's struggles this spring, Bell stated, "No, I'm not. I'm not at all. I wish I had a better way to explain why spring training results -- I don't look too much into them." While Bell has previously said he would like to get Winker regular at-bats this season, the outfield in Cincinnati is potentially crowded with the likes of Matt Kemp and Scott Schebler also fighting for playing time. The situation will only get further complicated when top prospect Nick Senzel joins the team.

Winker hit the second pitch of Friday's spring training game out of the park for his second homer of the spring. Before the game, he mentioned how his shoulder felt stronger, and how he was able to lift the ball with authority, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker is part of the Reds' leadoff picture, depending on who makes the team (don't worry, he's making the team - just a question of whether Nick Senzel will also be there) and is in the lineup on a given night. Scott Schebler is also an option. "It's just depending on how our roster shapes up," manager David Bell said. "Getting on base is important factor for a leadoff hitter. Those are two guys who can do that."

Winker went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Thursday against Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Winker clubbed a two-run homer over the fence in right field to cap off a four-run third inning. After going hitless in his first spring game, he showed signs of life at the dish in a 10-8 loss to the Brewers.

Winker played in his first spring training game Tuesday, going 0-for-2 against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

The results aren't what matters for now - it was just good that Winker was able to play. "He was really happy to be out there," manager David Bell said to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. "He's worked so hard to get out there, and he said it just felt great. It was great to see him."

Winker will make his spring training debut Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker and Nick Senzel have sat out the first couple of spring training games. Reds manager David Bell said that there's no injury to Senzel or Winker to explain their respective delayed spring training debuts, only that he wanted them to get more live batting practice first.