WASHINGTON -- Terry Collins said he plans to meet with Sandy Alderson on Monday to discuss Johan Santana's future, and whether the southpaw will proceed with Thursday's scheduled start against the Rockies at Citi Field.

Unless Alderson has a different idea, the expectation is Santana will face Colorado. Mets staffers believe Santana physically is OK, with the exception of a cranky back. They do think Santana is suffering from some mental fatigue, that uncharacteristically has caused him to lose some focus in games since returning.

Collins already has met with Santana and is on the same page with him. They have scheduled a bullpen session for Monday, prepared to proceed.

Regarding Santana potentially being shut down, Collins said: "What he is basically is saying is if that's what we think we should do to make sure he's healthy next year, he's on board with it. He understands the whole thought process behind it."