Mets optioned OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Nieuwenhuis has been a big disappointment for the Mets this season, hitting just .189/.278/.337 with three homers and 14 RBI in 95 at-bats. The Mets are trimming their roster down to a four-man bench while opting to go with a six-man starting rotation, and Nieuwenhuis was the odd-man out.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 4-for-4 with a career-high five RBI in Friday's 12-5 win over the Brewers.

It was a monster night for Nieuwenhuis, who also drew two walks, scored three runs, and stole a base. His batting average has jumped from .128 to .233 in the span of four games. The 25-year-old strikes out to much to be much of a fantasy option, but he could see increased playing time against right-handers as the season continues.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis drilled a long, walk-off three-run homer versus Carlos Marmol in the Mets' comeback win Sunday.

The Mets trailed 3-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, but Marlon Byrd led off with a home run and Nieuwenhuis blasted one off the facade in the upper deck with one out and two runners on to complete the comeback. Nieuwenhuis had just one hit in his previous 15 at-bats since his recall before the homer.

Mets recalled OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Rick Ankiel was designated for assignment to make room for Nieuwenhuis on the Mets' active roster. Nieuwenhuis was hitting .232/.339/.486 with 10 homers and 18 RBI through 36 games this year at the Triple-A level, but he is not a great fantasy bet outside of NL-only formats.

Mets optioned OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Juan Lagares was called up to take his place on the active roster. Nieuwenhuis has only logged 16 at-bats this month, so he'll get a chance at regular playing time in the minors.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis has made the Mets' Opening Day roster.

Nieuwenhuis missed the majority of spring training with a knee injury, but he's now finally healthy. He'll likely be used in a reserve role to start the season. Collin Cowgill will be the Mets' starting center fielder.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) went 1-for-2 with a double and three walks Thursday in a minor league game.

It was his second straight minor league game, as he went 1-for-5 with a single in his return to game action on Wednesday. While he's making progress, Mets manager Terry Collins won't use him in a Grapefruit League game until he's 100 percent with running. It's not clear if he's there yet.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Wednesday that there is no timetable for Kirk Nieuwenhuis' (knee) return to Grapefruit League action.

Nieuwenhuis played in a minor league game Wednesday, so he can't be too far away from Grapefruit action. He's running out of time to be ready for Opening Day, but he should be available as long as he doesn't have a setback.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) will play in a minor league game Wednesday.

It will be his first game action since suffering a bone bruise in his knee on March 3. Nieuwenhuis won't do any baserunning, but he's slated to play three innings on defense and take a few at-bats. He'll need to progress qucikly to have a shot to be ready for Opening Day.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) will play in a minor league game either Monday or Wednesday.

He figures to be the DH in the game. Nieuwenhuis has missed about two weeks with a bone bruise in his left knee but is making progress. He's expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) tossed a baseball and hit in the cage Thursday.

Nieuwenhuis has missed a week and a half due to a bone bruise in his left knee. While the Mets plan to have him increase baseball activities in the coming days, he will be eased back into running. The 25-year-old was expected to open the season as the team's starting center fielder, but now Collin Cowgill appears to be the favorite.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday.

Nieuwenhuis has been sidelined for a week with a bone bruise in his left knee. He's upped his workouts recently, though, and is obviously nearly game-ready. The 25-year-old will open the season as the Mets' center fielder.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) ran in a pool on Thursday.

Nieuwenhuis suffered a bone bruise in his knee over the weekend and is slowly increasing activity. He's hoping to get back in game action in the next week or so, which should give him enough time to state his case for the starting center fielder job. For now, Collin Cowgill and Matt den Dekker will continue to show what they can do.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and is on anti-inflammatories.

It's pretty great news, all things considered. Nieuwenhuis was limping badly and in considerable pain Sunday after he banged his left knee while sliding into the second base bag during a Grapefruit League game. But he should be back in action in a little more than a week.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis will undergo an MRI on his bruised left knee Monday morning.

Nieuwenhuis injured the knee Sunday while sliding hard into second base during a Grapefruit League game against the Marlins. "Hopefully it's just a bad bruise," the outfielder said Sunday evening. "When I went to go take my lead, it just kind of buckled a little bit, but I think the ligaments are OK." The Mets should provide an update on Monday night.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis left Sunday's game with a bruised left knee.

It's not clear at this point how serious the ailment it. The Mets are already really thin in the outfield, so they can't afford to lose their starting center fielder.

Mets recalled OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Triple-A Buffalo.

Nieuwenhuis spent most of the year with the Mets, batting .252/.315/.376 over 91 contests, but he was shut down in August with a partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot. He should be fine for spring training.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis (foot) has been shut down for the year.

Nieuwenhuis was diagnosed earlier this month with a partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot. The Mets have no reason to rush him back for a September call-up.

The Mets expect Kirk Nieuwenhuis (foot) to be available for a September call-up.

Nieuwenhuis has yet to progress in his rehab assignment, but is on track to rejoin the Mets once rosters expand. He's doubtful to hold much fantasy value but is capable of providing quality depth.

ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports Kirk Nieuwenhuis has a partial plantar fascia tear in right foot and will not require surgery.