Winker is out of the lineup Sunday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Winker started the first two games of the year for Cincinnati, one in left and another in right field. He'll take a seat for the series finale, however, giving way to an outfield composed of Adam Duvall (left), Billy Hamilton (center) and Scott Schebler (right).

Winker is leading off and playing left field for the Reds' opener against the Nationals on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Winker led off eight times for the Reds last season. He doesn't possess much speed, but his .375 on-base percentage in 47 games for the Reds last season is ideal for a table-setter. It's a far better number than the .299 figure that the Reds' primary leadoff man, Billy Hamilton, posted last year. The Reds may rotate four outfielders (Winker, Hamilton, Adam Duvall and Scott Schebler) through three spots, so Winker may not play every day, but if he gets on base, expect him to stick in the leadoff role.

Winker went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI in the Reds' 16-13 loss to the Brewers in Cactus League play Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The three-hit performance raised Winker's spring line to .406/.459/.656, with the outfielder contributing six extra-base knocks in 32 at-bats. Power wasn't a major component of Winker's game as he rose through the Reds' farm system, but the 24-year-old displayed more pop than expected during his multiple stints in the big leagues in 2017, homering seven times in just 137 plate appearances. With the organization viewing Winker as major-league ready, it's expected that he'll see at least semi-regular starts during the upcoming campaign while rotating in with established regulars in Scott Schebler, Adam Duvall and Billy Hamilton. Given Hamilton's questionable on-base skills, it wouldn't be an especially surprising development if manager Bryan Price eventually tabs Winker as the leadoff man for an extended period.

Manager Bryan Price said that Winker is a leadoff possibility when he's on the lineup card, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier this week, Price said that the club views Winker as a "major-league ready player" and that they plan to use a four-man rotation in the outfield this season. He also stated that Billy Hamilton is the leadoff man "right now" which implies that Winker will see time at the top of the order only when Hamilton is out of the lineup. A lot can change over the course of spring camp, as this may be a situation to monitor heading into Opening Day.

The Reds view Winker as major-league ready and plan to use a four-man rotation in the outfield this season, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Zach Buchanan reports. "I believe he's a major-league-ready player," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Some guys have to prove me wrong and others have to prove me right. I just really believe he is ready to get some regular playing time in the big leagues."

EDGE Analysis

Winker has strong on-base skills but had frustrated the Reds by his inability to hit for power in the high minors, but then slugged .487 in his brief big league trial last season. The Reds had dabbled in trade talks regarding Billy Hamilton during the offseason but nothing came to fruition. That still could come back up midseason, opening the door for regular time for Winker.

Winker is not in the lineup against the Red Sox on Friday, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker will get the day off following six straight starts, including a 2-for-5 day at the plate, with a double, during Thursday's loss to St. Louis. In his place, Scott Schebler will take over in right for the series opener.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Winker broke open a scoreless tie in the seventh inning when he launched his sixth homer of the campaign off Ivan Nova to help lead the Reds to a home victory. Although he's launched a pair of homers over his last five games, he's collected just three hits during that span, and his low batting average is difficult to trade off for his power potential.

Winker went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

His leadoff shot proved to be the only run the Reds pitching staff would need. After hitting only five home runs in 191 games for Triple-A Louisville over the last two seasons, Winker has now matched that total in his first 32 big-league games.

Winker will start in right field and lead off Tuesday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

By successfully running the bases again Saturday, Winker passed the final test necessary to return from a hip injury. He will slot in atop the order in his first start back, as Scott Schebler moves to center to open a spot for Winker in right. This could be the new norm for Cincinnati with Billy Hamilton (thumb) on the DL. Winker has displayed strong plate skills and surprising pop during his time with the big club, and with regular playing time, he should be useful in most mixed leagues.

Winker (hip) was activated from the 10-day DL on Tuesday, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

While it is obviously a small sample size, Winker has unquestionably improved his dynasty-league stock by hitting four home runs while slashing .297/.402/.500 in 87 MLB plate appearances after hitting just five home runs in 191 games at Triple-A over the last two seasons. He should get semi-regular work down the stretch as the Reds continue to evaluate their outfield situation for 2018.