SPRING TRAINING Winker gets chance at majors

Outfielder doubles after being called up from minors.

GOODYEAR, ARIZ.

— Jesse Winker received a quick taste of major-league life Friday in Peoria when he was summoned from minor-league camp to play in a big-league game.

And he quickly grabbed the eye of Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price “when he smoked a double to right field with a very nice approach.”

Winker, a 20-year-old outfielder, wore a Class A Dayton Dragons uniform last season and hit .281 with 16 homers and 76 RBIs in 113 games, and the radar in Cincinnati certainly detected him at Fifth Third Field.

Did we hear the word Mickey Mantle mentioned? Well, yeah, sort of.

“Somebody said he was a combination of Jay Bruce and Joey Votto,” said Price. “Listen, he is 20 years old, so you don’t do the next Mickey Mantle association or moniker.

“But the kid has power and he hits to all fields and he has a good strikezone command,” Price added. “He has a good on-base percentage and extra-base ability. He is a very polished young hitter.”

Oh, Danny boy: The troubles for top prospect Daniel Corcino piled up again Friday when he gave up five more runs in two-thirds of an inning.

“Our concern is that he is not commanding the ball the same way in games that he has in his bullpen work and live batting practice,” said Price. “He was one of the most impressive early spring guys in camp.”

In three games Corcino has lasted two innings and his earned-run average reads like a Dow Jones average (58.50). He has given up 13 runs on eight hits and seven walks.

“He got the first two guys out Friday and then gave up a home run and the wheels fell off,” said Price.

“A walk, three more hits, another walk and we had to go get him. He is one of the most confident, best-looking prospects in our system. The physical ability is still there. We just have to get him over the hump mentally.”

What’s up, Jack: Utility infielder Jack Hannahan still has not played in a game as he continues recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. He can hit and he can field but he can’t throw.

“We’ll be ready if he isn’t ready,” said Price. “He had his best day of throwing (Friday) and said his arm felt great. We’ll play him as much as possible when he gets the green light to play — designated hitter or pinchhitter and work his way into playing defense.

“We’d like him to be on our opening day roster but if he is not ready we do have some options.”