Jesse Winker leaves Cincinnati Reds game vs. Dodgers after hit by pitch

Jesse Winker admitted he wasn't 100% when he returned to the Cincinnati Reds lineup, but he knew how badly he wanted to be a part of a playoff race. 

Winker was forced to exit early from Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was hit by a pitch on his elbow guard in the eighth inning by reliever Brusdar Graterol, but he appeared to grimace when he swung at the previous pitch. 

"There is a little bit of concern," Reds manager David Bell said. "We're hoping the swing before wasn't anything related to what he's been dealing with. We'll know more later."

More:Reds notes: After a peach milkshake and a six-plus hour car ride, Jesse Winker is back

After Winker was hit by the pitch, he took a few steps toward the Reds dugout. After a short discussion with Bell and head trainer Steve Baumann, Winker walked down the dugout steps toward the training room. 

Winker was sidelined for a month with an intercostal strain, a rib cage injury. He played in two rehab games at Triple-A Louisville before deciding he was ready to return. 

More:Kyle Boddy, director of pitching, among minor league staff leaving Cincinnati Reds

More:Nightengale: Eight thoughts on the Cincinnati Reds as Jesse Winker returns

"You guys know how this goes," Winker said before the game. "Just the opportunity to play at home, to play in front of our fans, alongside these guys with our season on the line. Our backs are up against the wall, it’s exciting, man. It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun and I know all the guys appreciate the moment. I appreciate it too.

"It’s just something that – I don’t care where I’m at. I am good enough to come here and lace it up. There is no damn excuse. I don’t care about the amount of at-bats I got. I don’t care about the time I missed. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m here. I believe I can help the team win and that’s what I’m going to try my best to do.”