Brandon Nimmo felt better moving around on Sunday than a day earlier, when he , but caution dictated his absence from the Mets starting lineup. The outfielder was set to further test his wellne s taking pregame swings after initial strength tests on his core muscles provided what Nimmo said were positive results. Its a little sore Rich Gossage Jersey as if you worked out on it a little too much, Nimmo said before the Mets faced the Braves at Citi Field. But other than that its pretty good. Nimmo felt the rib cage discomfort on a swing Saturday, but remained in the game to finish his plate appearance with a walk before running the bases. Robert Sabo for NY Post Explore More He was later removed as a precaution. The main concern, Nimmo said, was on potential check swings. DJ Stewart started in left field and batted leadoff in Nimmos spot for the series finale. Nimmo said he told Carlos Mendoza on Saturday that he wanted to a se s his situation before Sundays game for po sible inclusion in the lineup, but the manager wouldnt hear of it. Brandon Nimmo sat out of the Mets game against the Braves on Sunday night. MLB Photos via Getty Images Hes like, No, its May and we need you, Nimmo said. I respect that and really appreciate that coming from your manager. But thats the way its supposed to work: Im supposed to want to play [Max] Scherzer used to say, I would rather tame a lion than push a donkey, so that is the way it is supposed to work. Shintaro Fujinami has been sidelined at Triple-A Syracuse with a shoulder ailment. The right-handed reliever has appeared in nine games this season for Syracuse and pitched to a 14.09 ERA. Fujinami, who arrived over the winter on a one-year contract worth $3.35 million, last pitched on May 3. Drew Smith is under consideration for a return from the injured list after appearing in his second rehab game Saturday for Syracuse. Drew Smith closes out the 9th inning. The New York Mets defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 at Citi Field. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST The right-hander has spent the last three weeks rehabbing from right shoulder sorene s. Everything is trending in the right direction, Mendoza said. Max Kranick cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse. The right-hander was designated for a signment on Monday. The Mets entered play with a 2.80 ERA at home, which ranked first in the National League and third-best in MLB. Connor Joe Jersey