"Hanley Ramirez underwent an "open" surgical repair of his injured left shoulder Thursday. But even though the healing period typically ranges from four to eight months, the Marlins expect him to be ready for Opening Day next season.

Ramirez underwent an arthroscopic procedure on the same shoulder after the 2007 season. But Dr. James Andrews, the orthopedist who performed Thursday's repair on Ramirez, opted for the more invasive procedure this time.

Braves shortstop Alex Gonzalez underwent the same type of operation midway through the 2002 season when he was with the Marlins and said he was ready to play by November of that year.

Ramirez injured the non-throwing shoulder while diving for a ball on Aug. 2 and reinjured it while swinging a bat in the on-deck circle in a minor-league rehab game."