The Red Sox optioned Winckowski to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.

Winckowski was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

Winckowski made his most recent appearance as a reliever in Sunday's 9-2 win over the Twins, tossing one inning and allowing one run on two hits.

Winckowski did not factor into the decision, allowing one run on three hits over 3.1 innings during Sunday's 6-1 win over the Pirates. He struck out one.

Winckowski will start Sunday in Pittsburgh, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora implied Friday that Winckowski is a likely candidate to start Sunday in Pittsburgh, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Winckowski allowed one hit and two walks while striking out four over two relief innings in Friday's 1-0 loss to the Mariners.

Winckowski has revealed that he's been pitching with a bone chip in his right ankle since last season, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Winckowski will begin the season working out of the bullpen, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Winckowski allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out two over 3.2 innings in Thursday's spring game against the Phillies.