Wilmer Flores could return on Thursday

Wilmer Flores, who was placed in a walking boot after fouling a ball of his left foot on Sunday, is out of the boot and has resumed baseball activity.

After the injury, Flores had X-rays, which came back negative. He was diagnosed with a bruise and has said that the pain has decreased.

Terry Collins told reporters on Tuesday that Flores, who has yet to run since the injury, could return to game action on Thursday.

Flores, 23, was hitting well before the injury and playing solid defense, though he was having a bit of trouble on balls he had to range for.

Thoughts:

For those with knowledge of the Mets’ recent injury issues, the words “walking boot” are ones that are not fun to hear.

While the Mets medical staff gets more flak than they should, it was their apparent incorrect decision to place Ike Davis in a walking boot in 2011 that sabotaged a promising season.

That Flores will likely be able to return to Grapefruit League action just five days after his injury is a great sign, and would leave Daniel Murphy as the only Mets regular dealing with an injury.

Barring something odd happening, Flores will be at shortstop on Opening Day, perhaps with Murphy recovered and to his left.