MIAMI, June 22 (UPI) -- Florida Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez has undergone season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.
His surgeon, Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., said Thursday Sanchez had a tear in his labrum repaired and will not throw for at least three or four months.
The injury was not nerve-related as originally feared.
Sanchez, 23, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque May 6, and had been sidelined for a month.
Before he was demoted, Sanchez went 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA.
In 30 innings, he walked 19 batters and struck out 14 in just six starts.
He was 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA in his rookie season last year, which was highlighted by a no-hitter against Arizona in September.
The hope is he will be ready for the start of spring training in 2008.
Sanchez was considered one of the Marlins' best young hurlers, including Dontrelle Willis, Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Sergio Mitre.
Team officials have declined comment.
