Mets eyeing move of Wilmer Flores from SS to second base

MILWAUKEE -- Wilmer Flores' days as a shortstop for the New York Mets, at least for the time being, appear numbered.

A source familiar with internal discussions confirmed to ESPN.com that there is a "good possibility" that Flores will be shifted to second base when Daniel Murphy returns from the disabled list as soon as this weekend.

Murphy would man third base, while Flores would play second base and Ruben Tejada-- at least in the short term -- would handle shortstop. Struggling rookie Dilson Herrera would be the odd man out as far as a starting infielder.

"He can play second base," manager Terry Collins said about Flores. "We've seen it. He's very good around the bag. He played it for a long time in the minor leagues. He played it very well last September. He's good over there."

While Flores' overall error total -- 10 -- is not unsightly, the Mets have struggled to turn double plays this season. Flores also has limited range at the position.

Flores' offense was supposed to justify absorbing some fielding deficiencies. However, aside from 10 homers, he has a modest .243 average and .277 on-base percentage.

The Mets believed having Flores work with the recently hired Mike Barwis on agility would improve his range, but he has not been passable at the position.

Murphy, on the DL with a left quadriceps strain, is scheduled to play seven innings Thursday night with Class A St. Lucie as his rehab assignment continues.