Cincinnati Reds: Three takeaways from series victory vs Brewers

2. Jesse Winker is adapting to being the Reds DH.

By hook or by crook, Jesse Winker is getting on base at an amazing clip. The Buffalo native went 3-for-4 yesterday and had five hits, two RBIs and three runs scored during the series versus the Brewers. Over his last seven games, Winker has an on-base percentage of .522. He’s also been drilled by opposing pitchers four times this season.

Reds fans have been patiently waiting for Winker to emerge as the offensive threat that we all knew he could be. The addition of the universal designated hitter during baseball’s abbreviated 2020 season seemed like the perfect scenario for Winker, who’s not an elite defender nor is he fleet of foot.

The early returns were not promising, as Winker had just one hit through his first 10 games, and was hitting just .087. Still, Winker was getting on base by drawing four walks and being hit by a pitch on two separate occasions during that stretch. Something seems to have clicked lately, however, as Winker has a hit in five of his past six games, including three multi-hit games.

The Cincinnati Reds offense needs Winker to produce. Joey Votto has been solid, but unspectacular at the dish, Eugenio Suárez appears to be picking himself up off the mat, and Nick Castellanos has been everything Reds Country was hoping for. If Jesse Winker continues to get on base, this Cincinnati offense could take off.