Ramirez, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on the same shoulder last October, said he is confident his season is not over -- even if Florida has just 10 games left.

"It's something I've been dealing with for three or four years," he said. "I'm not going to rush myself. I'm just going to take a day or two and be ready to go."

Ramirez leads the National League with 119 runs. He leads the Marlins with a .298 batting average and 33 stolen bases and is tied with Mike Jacobs for the team lead with 32 home runs.

Alfredo Amezaga started at shortstop, while rookie Cameron Maybin started in center field and hit in Ramirez's leadoff spot.

MARLINS 8, ASTROS 1: The Marlins ran their season-high winning streak to eight by completing a sweep of the Astros. Without SS Hanley Ramirez (strained left shoulder), Florida got big performances from youngsters. CF Cameron Maybin went 4-for-4, and rookie C John Baker went 3-for-5 with four RBIs. LHP Scott Olsen allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven in seven innings.