It's a tough break for Sixto Sanchez, who needs shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins' Sixto Sanchez to have season-ending shoulder surgery

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/5/21

Fans of the Miami Marlins will have to wait to watch pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez in action again.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Miami starter is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to deal with a lingering issue. It's hoped the 22-year-old will be able to pitch next spring:

Tough news for the #Marlins who announce that ace Sixto Sanchez will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. An MRI revealed a small tear in the posterior capsule of his right shoulder.
The Marlins hope he'll be able to return next spring.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 5, 2021

Per Ely Sussman of Fish Stripes, Sanchez was first diagnosed with inflammation in the back of his shoulder after throwing at the alternate training site in Jacksonville on March 31. On June 29, the club explained that he was throwing up to 120 feet.

"This hasn't gone as quickly as we want, but in terms of medical, you have to let the athletes dictate how quick or slow they go," general manager Kim Ng said about Sanchez at that time. "We're just taking it day by day, and making sure that we are conservative in our approach because again, he's a big part of our future."

Across Sanchez's first seven regular-season MLB starts, he went 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA. He didn't make an appearance for the Marlins this year.

The Marlins began Monday at 35-47 overall and in last place in the National League East standings. However, they trail the first-place New York Mets only by nine games and theoretically could be considered buyers ahead of the upcoming trade deadline depending on what occurs over the next few weeks.

More must-reads: