Winker was recalled by the Reds on Friday and could be set to make his major league debut this weekend.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has picked up right where he left off at Triple-A Louisville this season, hitting .323 with five RBI after slashing .303/.397/.384 in a sizzling 2016 campaign. The 23-year-old is considered one of the Reds' most valuable prospects, known for his low strikeout rate and ability to find the gaps. His power-hitting capacity leaves much to be desired, but Winker could turns some heads if he can get on base. Regular left fielder Adam Duvall is off to a great start this season, batting .316 with three home runs, so playing time may be hard to come by in the early going. Nonetheless, the call up should provide a tremendous opportunity for the young hitter.

Winker is hitting .308/.424/.385 with two doubles and a 4:6 K:BB in 26 at-bats for Triple-A Louisville.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds can call Winker up after Friday and gain an extra year of control, and while he is 0-for-2 on stolen-base attempts and has yet to leave the yard, he is getting on base at an elite clip through seven games in the International League. Meanwhile, Scott Schebler is hitting .179/.303/.464 with a pair of home runs and an impressive 5:4 K:BB in 33 plate appearances for the big-league club. Schebler has been the victim of a .143 BABIP, and has likely done enough to earn a longer look before the Reds promote their top outfield prospect.

Winker was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, the Dayton Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scott Schebler looks set to start in right field as a result. However, Winker may not be in the minors long as one of Cincy's top prospects.

Winker followed a three-hit game Saturday with two more hits Sunday in the Reds' spring training win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

All five hits over the weekend were singles, which is representative of what happened at Triple-A Louisville last season. He has a good hit tool that hasn't translated into hitting for power. Winker also has one walk against six strikeouts so far in spring training play. He's still a good bet to begin the season back at Louisville.

Winker faces an uphill battle to make the Reds' Opening Day roster, though manager Bryan Price didn't rule out the possibility. "I'd like Jesse and anyone that is close to or ready for the big leagues to press us to make a tough decision late in camp, to keep themselves in camp as late as they can," Price said. "Things happen. You can't ignore performance sometimes."

EDGE Analysis

This is nearly boilerplate spring training talk from the manager - Winker currently is slated to go back to Triple-A Louisville, where he can play every day. It's unlikely that he would stick with the big club unless he wins a starting job over Scott Schebler.

Winker was added to the Reds' 40-man roster on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds protected Winker from the Rule 5 draft, as expected. No longer the top prospect in the organization, following the drafting of Nick Senzel in June, Winker failed to hit for power last year at Triple-A, but still displayed a plus hit tool and phenomenal approach (59:59 K:BB in 448 plate appearances). He has shown the ability to hit double-digit homers in a season on three previous occasions, so owners should not overreact to him hitting just three over the fence in 2016. Winker should reach the majors early on in 2017 and should quickly earn a spot near the top of the big league lineup.

Winker is one of a handful of Reds prospects expected to get the call when rosters expand on September 1.

EDGE Analysis

Winker has been a good on-base threat at Triple-A Louisville, but he still hasn't found the ability to hit for power, slugging just .380 on the season.

Winker (wrist) went 0-for-4 in his first game back with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

After four games with the team's rookie-level affiliate, Winker was thrust back up atop the minor league ladder. Winker, who missed a month due to a wrist injury, has managed just two home runs in 56 games with Louisville this season and hasn't even attempted a stolen base, but he has more walks (33) than strikeouts (32) and that plate discipline could earn him a September promotion.

Winker (wrist) has started a rehab assignment in the Arizona Rookie League, RedsMinorLeagues.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker might need a decent amount of time before proving he's ready to advance beyond Triple-A Louisville, as he has just two homers and a .367 slugging percentage so far. But the Reds will still likely give him a look at some point this year, especially if Jay Bruce gets dealt as expected by the trade deadline.

Winker (wrist) went on the minor league DL at Triple-A Louisville on Friday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winker is set for an exam with Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek early next week, suggesting that he won't be returning to action anytime soon.