Mets optioned OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to Triple-A Buffalo.

Nieuwenhuis simply couldn't take advantage of at-bats he received due to injuries and struggles of his outfield mates in New York. After a good opening month to the season, Nieuwenhuis' slash line has fallen all the way to .252/.315/.376 through 314 plate appearances. He'll look to get back on track in Buffalo and return later this summer.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's loss and is 4-for-30 this month.

The opportunity is still there for Nieuwenhuis after Lucas Duda was sent down, but he just hasn't been very good since April. With Scott Hairston struggling as well, Jordany Valdespin could be in line for starts in right field.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup due to a right hand contusion.

It sounds like a day-to-day situation. Andres Torres took his spot in the lineup.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Orioles.

He's taking a seat against the lefty Brian Matusz. Andres Torres will make the start in center field while Scott Hairston plays right and Vinny Rottino starts in left.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI as the Mets beat the Cardinals 6-1 on Sunday night.

The Mets will go for a four-game sweep on Monday. The Mets got most of their offense from the top of the order tonight, with Nieuwenhuis and Andres Torres combining to go 6-for-9 with five RBI from the first and second spots. Nieuwenhuis' homer was his first since April 20.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is not in the Mets' starting lineup Wednesday against the Phillies.

He'll take a seat against the left-hander Cliff Lee. Vinny Rottino will make the start in left field while Rob Johnson starts behind the plate and Justin Turner plays shortstop. The Mets might be praying for rain right now.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is not in the Mets' starting lineup Wednesday afternoon.

Andres Torres will start in center field while Scott Hairston will play left against the southpaw Wandy Rodriguez. The Mets will also face left-handed starters on Friday (Wade Miley) and Saturday (Patrick Corbin) against Arizona, so watch the lineup card carefully over the next couple of days.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis will start in left field and bat leadoff Monday against the Astros.

The move over to left field is an expected one now that Andres Torres is back from the disabled list, but Mets manager Terry Collins apparently wants to keep the hot-hitting Nieuwenhuis in the leadoff spot for now. Torres will bat seventh Monday.

Mets manager Terry Collins may already be having second thoughts about moving Kirk Nieuwenhuis to left field.

The move was announced before Sunday's game, as was the return of Andres Torres from the disabled list on Monday. Nieuwenhuis had a stellar game offensively and defensively Sunday, continuing his hot start to the season. "Well, I'm going to talk to Andres, but right now I probably am," Collins said when asked if he was dead set on Nieuwenhuis to left field. "I mean, he's been playing center all the time. And I know Kirk has also. But we've got to mix and match our outfield and do it with what I think may be the best lineup." Nieuwenhuis had never played left field prior to Sunday.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is batting leadoff Saturday against the Giants.

Nieuwenhuis is 13-for-35 (.371) since being called up and has a chance to stick as the Mets' primary center fielder after Andres Torres (calf) comes off the disabled list. He would see an increase in production if he can hold onto the leadoff spot.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis will make his regular-season debut in Saturday's game against the Braves.

The promotion of Nieuwenhuis demonstrates just how bereft of depth the Mets are. He'll likely serve in a platoon with Scott Hairston while Andres Torres (calf) is sidelined.

Mets recalled OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Triple-A Buffalo.

Nieuwenhuis batted .298 with six home runs and 14 RBI over 53 games last season for Buffalo before requiring surgery on a torn labrum. He could get a decent amount of playing time in center field while Andres Torres is sidelined.

The Mets are expected to recall Kirk Nieuwenhuis this weekend to replace the injured Andres Torres (calf) on the active roster.

Nieuwenhuis dealt with an oblique strain early on in spring training, but returned to action near the end of camp before being demoted to Triple-A Buffalo. It was there where he batted .298 with six home runs and 14 RBI over 53 games last season before requiring surgery on a torn labrum. The 24-year-old is a little big for center field, but has the potential to reach double-digits in homers and steals if given enough at-bats. He'll likely share playing time with Scott Hairston while Torres is out.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (oblique) played in a minor league intersquad game Thursday.

Nieuwenhuis has been nursing an oblique strain over the past couple of weeks. With his ability to play center field, the 24-year-old should find his way to the majors at some point this year.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (oblique) believes he is close to returning.

Nieuwenhuis has been out with a right oblique injury since earlier this month. A stint on the DL to start the year seems likely.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is currently nursing a right oblique injury.

Nieuwenhuis had a better chance to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, after Scott Hairston's oblique injury, but now he has one of his own. It's not clear how long he'll be out, but a stint on the DL to start the year certainly seems possible.

Mets purchased the contract of OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Triple-A Buffalo.

Nieuwenhuis, 24, batted .298/.403/.505 with six homers, 14 RBI and a .908 OPS over 221 plate appearances this year before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder in late-July. He should be 100 percent by spring training and could play at the major league level at some point next season.

Mets prospect outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis underwent season-ending shoulder surgery to repair the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

Nieuwenhuis, 24, was hitting .298/.403/.505 with six homers and 14 RBI over 221 plate appearances with Triple-A Buffalo. The 2008 third-round pick is expected to be ready for spring training.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 5-for-6 with a homer, two doubles and four RBI for Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday.

Nieuwenhuis, a third-round pick in 2008, is hitting .333/.367/.509 after 12 games. He's a fun player with his above average power and speed, but he's not a true center fielder and he might not get on base enough to make it as a major league corner outfielder. With Fernando Martinez in his way and Jason Bay not going anywhere for a long time, Nieuwenhuis may not get an opportunity anytime soon.