Cincinnati Reds option one of top prospects to minors

Roster trimmed to 40 players 10 days before Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds optioned outfielder Jesse Winker to Triple-A Louisville on Friday, trimming their roster to 40 players.

Winker, 23, is the Reds’ sixth-ranked prospect, according to Baseball America. He’s entering his sixth season in the minor league system. Last season he hit .303 in 106 games with Triple-A Louisville. He hit .273 in 22 games this spring.

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Winker hit three home runs last season. He had one home run in 44 at-bats this spring.

"We talk about power," manager Bryan Price said earlier this spring. "I want to see him continue to hit for average. I'd like to see him press us to consider him."

The Reds open the season at 4:10 p.m. April 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park.

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