Winker (hip) ran the bases again Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Now we're just getting the sign off that he can re-enter as an active player," manager Bryan Price said.

EDGE Analysis

Winker remains on the disabled list, but it sounds like his return to action is imminent. With Billy Hamilton (thumb) on the DL and quite possibly out for the rest of the season, the door is open for Winker to see semi-regular playing time in the Reds' outfield. The 24-year-old has displayed a strong approach so far in the big leagues -- as he did in the minors -- batting .297/.402/.500 with a 13:15 BB:K in 87 plate appearances.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Wednesday that Winker (hip) is "still a ways" from resuming baseball activities, Andy Call of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Price's comments all but ensure that Winker won't be activated from the 10-day disabled list when rosters expand Friday, and if his recovery from the hip flexor continues to proceed slowly, the young outfielder may not be cleared to play again this season. Though the 24-year-old has only had 87 plate appearances with the big club this season, he's impressed in limited action with a .297/.402/.500 line. Winker should have the opportunity to compete for a full-time role with the Reds in 2018 during spring training.

Winker was placed on the disabled list Friday with a strained left hip flexor.

EDGE Analysis

At this point in time, there's yet to be any information regarding the severity of Winker's injury. Although he's only played in 30 games with the big club, Winker has been affective when in the lineup this season. Over said outings he's put together a .297/.402/.500 line and mashed four home runs. In a corresponding move, Phillip Ervin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.

Winker went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-3 win over the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Scott Schebler's return from the DL will cut into Winker's playing time, but the rookie has done what he can to convince Reds manager Bryan Price that he deserves a regular spot in the starting lineup, posting a .298/.412/.474 slash line with three homers in 20 games since the All-Star break.

Winker is not in the Reds' lineup Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Jon Lester toeing the rubber for the Cubs, Winker will give way to Phillip Ervin in right field. Winker has acquitted himself well when in the lineup, though, knocking a .280/.357/.420 output across 56 plate appearances this month that includes his first two major-league home runs.

Winker is not in the lineup Monday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

As per usual, Winker will head to the bench with the opposition sending out a southpaw starter (Jose Quintana). He's now started 11 of the last 14 games, with all three of his off days coming against left-handed pitchers. Patrick Kivlehan will start in right field in his stead.

Winker is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Patrick Kivlehan will take over in right field against lefty Travis Wood, pushing Winker to the bench following eight straight starts (all against right-handed pitching). Winker burst back onto the scene with homers in back-to-back games to begin August, but he's just 2-for-13 in his last four games. As a result of his recent skid, Winker has fallen to the bottom half of the batting order, but he should continue to play regularly, at least until Scott Schebler (shoulder) returns to action.

Winker will bat seventh and man right field Sunday against the Cardinals, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker had previously occupied the two hole in each of his five starts prior to being recalled from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the week, but he'll likely have to settle for a spot in the bottom third of the order going forward following the activation of Zack Cozart (quadriceps) on Sunday. While the move down in the lineup may hurt Winker's run-scoring and run-producing opportunities, the fact that he's merely playing regularly is likely enough to make him worth keeping active in NL-only formats, and deeper mixed settings. Winker has gone 5-for-20 with a pair of home runs since returning from the minors.

Winker went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

After managing only five homers in 191 games with Triple-A Louisville over the last two seasons, Winker's now left the yard in back-to-back games with the Reds. The 23-year-old had shown modest power in the lower levels of the minors along with strong contact and plate discipline skills, but in all likelihood his line-drive swing won't produce too many more long balls in 2017.

Winker will start in right field and bat second Tuesday against the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker, who was recalled from Triple-A Louisville earlier Tuesday, will spell Scott Schebler in the outfield for the series opener. Schebler is said to be healthy after recently battling a shoulder injury, but with a 4-for-52 (.077 average) showing at the plate since the All-Star break, his hold on an everyday role could be loosening. Moreover, manager Bryan Price indicated prior to Winker's promotion that he wanted to give the rookie "a real look" upon his return to the big leagues, according to Sheldon, as the Reds look to assess Winker's place in their long-term plans. The 23-year-old had seen sparse at-bats in his previous three stints with the big club this season, but it looks like his role could grow substantially this time around.