By Steven Inman
Kirk Nieuwenhuis was carted off the field in the 7th inning of yesterday’s spring training game. It looked really gruesome but the injury sounds a lot better than it looked. Nieuwenhuis was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and will be out about a week. This is a lot better than initially thought as from the look of it, it appeared Nieuwenhuis would be in jeopardy of missing Opening Day. If Captain Kirk was unable to play Opening Day it coud allow Jordany Valdespin the opportunity to sneak onto the roster as an outfielder.
Nieuwenhuis has really struggled so far this spring hitting just 2 for 18 but it is still very early. Nieuwenhuis has really sparkled on defense so far in centerfield. As of now Nieuwenhuis is expected to be the left-handed half of a platoon with Collin Cowgill in centerfield. Both are expected to hit in the leadoff spot when they are in the lineup.
The Mets Report 