ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez is healthy enough to be ready for opening day, Dr. James Andrews confirmed this morning after examining Sanchez's ailing right shoulder in Birmingham, Ala.

Sanchez has no structural damage and only inflammation near the rotator cuff, Dr. Andrews said. His opinion matched that of the Pirates' medical staff.

"Everything went really well," general manager Neal Huntington said this afternoon.

Sanchez will take some at-bats in minor-league games tomorrow at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., and will resume throwing once he feels comfortable, Huntington said. He also could stay behind for extra action Sunday when the team travels to Atlanta. The opener against the Braves is Monday.

Dr. Andrews' exam consisted of looking at the MRI the Pirates took last week and some physical exercises.

Sanchez had minor surgery to address a joint in the same shoulder last September, but that is seen as unrelated to the current issue.

More details in tomorrow's Post-Gazette.