Struggling Nieuwenhuis sent to Triple-A

The Mets sent down struggling Kirk Nieuwenhuis Tuesday before their game against the Dodgers at Citi Field. Juan Lagares was called up to take his place in the outfield.

Nieuwenhuis is hitting a paltry .125 in 16 at-bats this season. He was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

The 24-year-old Lagares posted a .346 batting average with three home runs in 78 at-bats with Las Vegas. He’s a right-handed hitter who can play all over the outfield, but has been the 51s’ center fielder this year.