Mets manager Mickey Callaway is leaning toward deploying Juan Lagares rather than Nimmo as the team's primary center fielder to begin the season, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nimmo should still receive the opportunity to compete with Lagares for the starting role in spring training, but regardless of how the job battle shakes out, the victor is merely keeping the seat warm until Michael Conforto (shoulder) is cleared to return from the disabled list, perhaps at some point in May. For fantasy purposes, Nimmo, who sported a .379 on-base percentage in 215 plate appearances with the Mets last season, would be a more intriguing fantasy option given that he would also rate as a top candidate for the vacant leadoff gig, but Callaway and the Mets brass seem to prioritize defense above all else in center field. Lagares, a 2014 Gold Glove award winner, holds a clear edge over Nimmo in that regard, and his superior range would help compensate for the poor defenders (Jay Bruce and Yoenis Cespedes) that would likely flank him in most games. As a result, Nimmo appears most likely to open the campaign as a fourth outfielder while seeing a few starts per week against right-handed pitching.

Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs, three RBI and three runs during Thursday's win over Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

The 2011 first-round pick is on a mini heater with a 7-for-13 stretch at the dish that includes two homers, eight RBI and five runs. After posting a pedestrian .227/.364/.368 slash line through 198 plate appearances with Triple-A Las Vegas this year, it's probably wise to keep expectations in check for Nimmo moving forward. Still, he could catch lightning in a bottle and reward in deep settings or daily contests.

Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI in Monday's win over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Since falling into a regular role in the Mets' injury-depleted outfield in mid-August, Nimmo has posted a .281/.414/.386 slash line with a homer, a steal, seven RBI and 11 runs in 18 games. His lack of power limits his fantasy upside, but especially in OBP leagues he could provide a useful boost over the final weeks.

Nimmo is out of the lineup Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Nimmo will take a seat for the second time this series after going 1-for-1 with a double, three walks and two runs during Wednesday's victory. In his place, Michael Conforto slides over to right while Juan Lagares draws the start in center.

Nimmo is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite being in the midst of a modest five-game hit streak, Nimmo will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular day off. Michael Conforto will slide over to start in his place in right field, leaving an open spot for Juan Lagares to fill in center.

Nimmo got the start in right field Friday, hitting eighth and going 1-for-3.

EDGE Analysis

With Curtis Granderson now on his way to the Dodgers, Nimmo would seem to be in line for regular duty with the Mets for the remainder of the season, although the team could elect to give Juan Lagares more playing time as well. Nimmo's failed to provide much power so far in his brief big-league career, but fantasy GMs who add him for the stretch run can pin some hope on the .352/.423/.541 slash line the 24-year-old produced in 97 games at Triple-A Las Vegas last year.

Nimmo (chest) was activated from the 10-day DL on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

A partially collapsed lung forced Nimmo to the DL back on July 8, but he's been given the green light to return following a four-game rehab assignment. Nimmo has displayed a strong approach at upper levels, resulting in a .290 average and .365 OBP in 47 career games in the majors, but his power and speed are marginal. He may remain relegated to a bench role the rest of the way unless the Mets move both Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce.

Nimmo (chest) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nimmo was placed on the disabled list on July 8 with a partially collapsed lung. He took part in a simulated game Friday and is now ready to advance his rehab to the final stages. It's unclear how many rehab games he's scheduled to play, but the young outfielder should be activated from the disabled list sooner than later.

Nimmo (chest) played five innings in a simulated game Friday,

EDGE Analysis

The outfielder continues to make progress from a partially collapsed lung, but he's not yet running at full speed, the final obstacle before he's able to return to game action. Nimmo could head back to Triple-A Las Vegas once he's healthy if the Mets haven't cleared up their outfield logjam with a trade prior to his activation from the DL.

Nimmo (chest) has been cleared to take batting practice, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is certainly a positive development for Nimmo, who was diagnosed with a partially collapsed lung last week. However, he has not yet been given the green light to resume running, and a clear timetable for his return probably won't take shape until that happens.