Winker powers Saguaros past Javelinas

When Jesse Winker was promoted to Double-A Pensacola in June, he saw a dip in power as he adjusted to a new level. But after he injured his wrist in a car accident, his production -- and playing time -- came to an abrupt end.

Back on the diamond in the Arizona Fall League on Wednesday, the power and quick wrists are back.

The Reds' second-ranked prospect homered and smacked an RBI double to lead Surprise to an 8-2 triumph over Peoria.

"I feel great. My hand's all healed up from the accident," Winker said. "It was great to get out there. We have a really great group of guys and it was just a fun time.

"I just wanted to put some good swings on balls. I happened to find a gap and happened to get one out. I just wanted to go deep in counts and put together good at-bats."

Winker began the season with Class A Advanced Bakersfield, where he batted .317 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in 53 games and earned a spot on the California League All-Star team. MLB.com's No. 40 overall prospect went on to capture Home Run Derby at the midseason event.

The 21-year-old outfielder was promoted to the Blue Wahoos and hit .208 with two homers and 14 RBIs in 21 games before injuring his wrist.

"It's tough sitting there, watching for 50-some games that I had to be on the disabled list," he said. "I did learn a lot while I was there in Double-A just watching. I'm very thankful to [Pensacola manager] Delino DeShields for teaching me. I just wanted to have fun today. It was a huge relief to get back out on the field."

The 2012 first-round pick is one of seven Reds prospects on the Saguaros, including Kyle Waldrop, who went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs.

"It's a blast. We all deserve coming here. It's very cool to get to play with these guys and wear our Reds uniforms. It's just an honor," Winker said. "Yesterday, we played well enough to win and ... came out with tough loss. It's nice to get a win today. I think we have a solid team all-around."

Rangers No. 4 prospect Nick Williams chipped in three hits and also drove in two runs for Surprise.

Just under a month after making his Triple-A debut with 6 2/3 one-hit innings in the Governors' Cup Finals, Red Sox prospect Keith Couch (1-0) allowed two runs on four hits over four frames for the win.

Jordan Smith (Indians) went yard for the Javalinas, while Royals No. 4 prospect Hunter Dozier drove in Peoria's other run. Javelinas starter and Rays right-hander Jaime Schultz (0-1) surrendered five runs on six hits over two innings.