Sixto (shoulder surgery) looking to 2022

WASHINGTON -- Marlins top prospect Sixto Sánchez underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a capsular tear and clean out the back side of his right shoulder, general manager Kim Ng revealed prior to Wednesday's road trip finale against the Nationals.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure in Los Angeles.

"We're hoping that he's with us on Opening Day next year," Ng said of Sánchez.

When the Marlins announced MLB Pipeline's No. 11 overall prospect would need season-ending surgery on July 6, Ng said he would be able to pick up a baseball again in three months. The expectation is that Sánchez will be ready to have a normal Spring Training.

It has been a season of setbacks for the 22-year-old right-hander, who was slated to be part of the Marlins' rotation following a promising seven-start debut in 2020. Instead, he didn't throw a pitch for the ballclub in '21.

Sánchez first experienced shoulder discomfort while appearing in a simulated game on March 31 to build up his pitch count. From then on, his rehab stalled. When he felt sore increasing his velocity during his throwing program, Miami ordered an MRI, which revealed a small tear in the posterior capsule of his right shoulder. The organization decided it was time to elect surgery.