Education
He did not sign and attended the University of Central Florida (UCF).
He did not sign and attended the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Winkler was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 43rd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft out of Parkland College. He was then drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 20th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft and signed. Winkler made his professional debut for the Casper Ghosts, going 4–3 in 12 starts with a 3.92 earned run average (European Research Area) and 65 strikeouts over 57 1⁄3 innings.
He spent the 2012 season with the Asheville Tourists.
He started 25 games, going 11–10 with a 4.46 European Research Area and 136 strikeouts in 145 1⁄3 innings. Winkler started the 2013 season with the Modesto Nuts.
On June 25, 2013 he combined with two relievers to pitch a no-hitter. He was promoted to the Tulsa Drillers near the end of the season.
Overall he was 13–7 with a 2.98 European Research Area and 175 strikeouts in 157 innings.
The 175 strikeouts led all minor league players. He returned to Tulsa to start the 2014 season. He underwent Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in June 2014.
On December 11, 2014, the Atlanta Braves selected Winkler during the Rule 5 Draft.
He was activated from the disabled list in September 2015. Winkler debuted on September 21, striking out two of the three New York Mets batters he faced.