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.

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.