The Marlins fully expect Martin Prado to be able to play again this season.
Prado, who is on his third stint on the disabled list this season, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee on Friday.
Marlins manager Don Mattingly did not give a timetable for Prado's recovery period, but according to a team source, it will be three to five weeks, making it possible for the 33-year-old third baseman to return to action this season.
"I think we expect him to play again this season," Mattingly said. "I don't have a true timetable but, obviously, a meniscus is something that's arthroscopic so hoping it's something that's quick."
Mattingly had indicated in recent days that Prado's injury had not progressed the way the Marlins had hoped, prompting the need for the procedure.
Prado, who signed a three-year, $40 million extension with the Marlins in the offseason, was placed on the DL on July 18. His previous two previous stints on the DL were because of a right hamstring injury he sustained in March while playing in the World Baseball Classic.
Prado has been limited to only 37 games this season, batting .250 with two home runs, 11 extra-base hits and 12 RBIs. Prado, a .291 career hitter, is in his third season with the Marlins and is hitting .292 with 19 home runs and 150 RBI in that time.
Derek Dietrich, who has eight RBI in the past two games, is expected to continue to get the majority of starts at third base in Prado's absence.
