NEW YORK -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins believes Bartolo Colon will make his next start on schedule on Sunday in Atlanta, despite the 43-year-old right-hander suffering a bruised right thumb on Tuesday.

Colon was forced to depart four pitches into his outing against the Kansas City Royals when leadoff man Whit Merrifield's comebacker struck Colon on his pitching hand. X-rays were negative.

Mets starter Bartolo Colon reacts after being hit by a batted ball that resulted in a bruised right thumb. AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Collins said that Colon arrived at Citi Field on Wednesday with some residual inflammation but good mobility in the thumb.

"He's doing fine," Collins said. "He's got a little swelling left, but good flexibility, good strength. So right now we're certainly planning on having him start on Sunday."

After the bullpen was forced to record 26 outs in relief of Colon on Tuesday, the Mets promoted right-hander Logan Verrett to cover the bullpen and serve as a hedge in case Colon is unable to start on Sunday at Turner Field.

Utility player Ty Kelly was demoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, leaving the Mets down a bench player.