BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Worried Wallach Wonders About Pain in His Back

Third baseman Tim Wallach tried to remain optimistic, but the fear in his face revealed more than words Tuesday morning.

“I don’t know what it is, or what I did to my back,” he said, “but I know it’s lasted longer than anything I’ve had. It’s just not getting any better.”

Wallach, 37, underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test Tuesday morning to diagnose the pain in his lower back. The results are expected today.

“I’m concerned about it. You have to be worried,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said.

If he is unable to play by opening day, April 25, the Dodgers probably will go with a platoon of Ron Coomer and Dave Hansen at third base.

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Left-handed reliever Ed Vosberg picked off four runners in two innings in an intrasquad game.

“I don’t think I’ve even seen that done four times in a game, let alone two innings,” Lasorda said.

Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, Todd Hollandsworth and Mitch Webster were the victims.

Vosberg was not impressed. The way he sees it, if he continues giving up five baserunners in a two-inning stint, it won’t matter how many he picks off.

He yielded three walks and two hits, one a homer by Jose Offerman.

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The Dodgers have had exploratory discussions with the Baltimore Orioles about acquiring center fielder Damon Buford. Buford, 24, batted .270 with 16 homers and 66 RBIs last season for triple-A Rochester. . . . The Dodgers signed 12 more players Tuesday and have only seven remaining unsigned players, including Raul Mondesi, the 1994 rookie of the year. Attorney Jeff Moorad, who negotiated Tuesday with Dodger executive vice president Fred Claire, is seeking a one-year contract for $450,000-$500,000. . . . Those who signed Tuesday: pitchers Pedro Astacio, Darren Dreifort, Park, Jose Parra, Ismael Valdes, Vosberg and Todd Williams; infielders Garey Ingram, Coomer and Eddie Pye; and outfielders Henry Rodriguez and Reggie Williams. . . . Rookie center fielder Roger Cedeno scored four runs in the intrasquad game, going two for three with a triple. . . . Felix Rodriguez, a converted catcher who began pitching two years ago, dazzled Lasorda and the coaching staff pitching batting practice. Rodriguez, 22, is scheduled to open the season in triple-A Albuquerque, but some believe he has the finest arm in the organization.

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KABC and Spanish language KWKW will broadcast all Dodger exhibitions, starting with Thursday’s game from Vero Beach, Fla., against the Florida Marlins at 10 a.m.