Hard-throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom had a magnetic resonance imaging test performed on his lower back before Thursday's game, but the Marlins are waiting to see if the pain and stiffness will subside with regular treatment.
Lindstrom, a right-hander, was lifted from his outing in the eighth inning Wednesday when he gave up two runs and three hits in a third of an inning.
''I probably shouldn't have gone out to pitch [Wednesday] night, but I wanted to see if could get through it,'' said Lindstrom, adding that the results of the MRI were negative.
''I think we're just going to keep treating it to see how it goes,'' he said. ``We'll just take it day by day.''
Last season, Lindstrom also experienced back pain, which he alleviated by sleeping on a hard floor.
''I might have to go back to the floor again,'' he said. ``I'll try whatever.''
Lindstrom, 28, said his back has been bothering him for more than a week.
WILLINGHAM, JACOBS STILL OUT
Lindstrom isn't the only Marlin with a bad back. Left fielder Josh Willingham missed his third consecutive game because of lower back pain, but manager Fredi Gonzalez was optimistic Willingham would return to the lineup Friday.
First baseman Mike Jacobs missed his fourth consecutive game because of an injured middle finger on his right hand. But he thought he could be ready to play Friday, when the Marlins open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres.
Also, starting pitcher Andrew Miller said the tendinitis in his right knee is ``fine, not an issue.''
ANOTHER SWEEP FOR DODGERS
Thursday's loss marked the second time in three seasons that the Dodgers have swept the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium.
It was the first home sweep against the Marlins since August, when the last-place San Francisco Giants pulled off a four-game sweep.
-- CLARK SPENCER
