Cincinnati Reds’ Jesse Winker finally gets his chance

With an injury to Scott Schebler, the Cincinnati Reds are finally forced to take a look at Jesse Winker.

The Cincinnati Reds placed right fielder Scott Schebler on the DL with a left shoulder strain on August 1.  That is Schebler’s throwing shoulder and the one which allows him to hit for such great power.  Schebler had been struggling with the shoulder for a while.

Since the All-Star Game, Schebler is only batting .077.  He has only one home and only that single RBI in the second half.  His second half slugging percentage is a lowly .154.

Meanwhile, Jesse Winker has been leading the Louisville Bats in hitting.  He was batting .314 with a .395 OBP when he received his most current call-up.  He also was leading the Bats in doubles and was third in runs.

Since his call-up Winker has seen some mixed results.  He is only batting .231, but has an OBP of .394.  He also has two solo home runs.

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When Zack Cozart was on the DL, Winker batted second.  With Cozart back Winker slid down the line-up to the seventh slot in the order.  With his historic lack of power Winker may fit better lower down in the line-up.

Winker is also playing right field everyday.  For years he has been sold as the future left fielder, but Adam Duvall is firmly ensconced in left.  That leaves right for Winker, if he wants playing time.

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The Cincinnati Reds should question whether playing Jesse Winker everyday is the best test for the former top prospect.

Winker has demonstrated the ability to get on base and make contact as an everyday player at every stop in the minor league system.  What he hasn’t demonstrated is the ability to be a bench player or a platoon player.  It may be time for Winker to take that test.

With Cozart off of the DL and Scooter Gennett starting everyday at second, Jose Peraza needs somewhere to play.  Putting Peraza in right would help the embattled second baseman continue to get at-bats.  It could also reaffirm him as a super utility player, rather than an everyday shortstop.

Winker could sneak into the starting line-up once or twice a week, while spending most of the game sitting right next to Joey Votto.  That may be the best way for Winker to spend his time with Schebler on the DL.  Winker needs the MLB experience, not experience playing everyday.

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Whether he plays everyday or once in awhile, batting Winker by the sixth spot is a good idea.  Winker is finally getting his chance, but he doesn’t need to carry the team.  He just needs to be the true Jesse Winker.