Jesse Winker could return Friday vs. Dodgers; Tyler Naquin expected to land on IL

PITTSBURGH – Jesse Winker went hitless in his first five at-bats on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville, but the results are secondary to the way his rib cage is feeling.

He played three innings Tuesday, five innings Wednesday and he was scheduled to play Thursday night. If all goes well Thursday night, he could be back in the Cincinnati Reds lineup as early as Friday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“He’s getting close,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He needed at least another game. Spoke with him (Wednesday) night. He’s going to play (Thursday) and then we’ll go from there. If everything goes well today, there is a chance he’ll be back in the lineup (Friday).”

The…