Gagne Undergoes MRI on Bad Back

The Dodger closer who shattered the franchise record with 55 saves last season, who was almost untouchable with a 4-1 record and 1.97 earned-run average, spent part of Thursday afternoon in an MRI chamber.

Results of the tests on Eric Gagne’s lower back were not available Thursday night, and neither the right-hander nor the Dodgers believe the stiffness in Gagne’s back is the result of a serious injury.

But any time a pitcher with a 98-mph fastball is experiencing stiffness in his lower back and doesn’t know the root of the problem, it is cause for some concern.

“I don’t know when I did it,” Gagne said. “I don’t know if it came from running or lifting weights.”

Gagne said he hoped icing the injury would help when the back first stiffened Tuesday. But it felt worse Wednesday before easing somewhat Thursday.

Gagne said he is not experiencing sharp pains in his back or pain going down either of his legs, which could indicate a more serious injury. But his condition will prevent him from throwing for a few more days.

“It’s just stiffness, so I don’t think it’s anything to worry about,” Gagne said. “I just need to give it some rest. There’s still three weeks to go [before the season,] so I have plenty of time.”

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Kevin Brown took another big step in his return from major back and elbow injuries with a solid two-inning effort in a 6-2 exhibition loss to the Baltimore Orioles in Holman Stadium.

The right-hander gave up no runs and two hits and struck out three, and 23 of his 33 pitches were strikes. Brown’s fastball ranged from 87 to 90 mph in his first Grapefruit League inning Sunday, but he threw 92 mph fastballs several times Thursday.

“I won’t say I’m satisfied, but it’s a good day when you can pitch and not worry about getting hurt,” Brown said. “I’m not where I want to be, but considering it’s my second time out in spring training, I’m happy with it.”

Catcher Paul Lo Duca was encouraged by Brown’s outing.

“That’s the best the ball has come out of his hand in a couple of years,” Lo Duca said. “That’s a good sign. The other key thing is he had great command. When you’re having arm trouble, you’re just throwing it up there. If he progresses like he did [Thursday] from his first time, he’s going to be fine.”

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Kazuhisa Ishii wasn’t as sharp as Brown in his second spring outing -- the left-hander needed 50 pitches to get through two innings, giving up one hit, two walks and a run. He had little command of his fastball but located his curveball for many of his 29 strikes.

Ishii led the major leagues with 106 walks last season, but many opponents marveled at his stuff. “If he throws the ball over the plate,” Manager Jim Tracy said, “he’s going to be successful.”

The key, Ishii believes, will be throwing strikes on the first pitch, allowing him to get ahead of the batters who so often took pitches early in the count last season.

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Players’ union chief Don Fehr, making his annual rounds of spring training camps, met with the Dodgers for about two hours Thursday morning, but players said the controversial herbal supplement ephedra, which a Florida medical examiner has linked to the heatstroke death of Oriole pitcher Steve Bechler, was not discussed.

“It’s a big issue in baseball, but it’s not a big issue with the players,” Dodger left fielder Brian Jordan said. “The bottom line is it’s an over-the-counter drug, you have to read the labels and follow instructions. Hey, anything can kill you nowadays if you take it the wrong way. Like anything in life, you’ve got to be careful.”

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Ishii’s 2002 season ended Sept. 8 when he was hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of Houston’s Brian Hunter. Another Dodger pitcher, nonroster invitee David Lee, almost suffered a similar fate Thursday, but not because of a batted ball.

Lo Duca got a poor grip as he attempted to throw out Baltimore’s Larry Bigbie stealing second in the third inning. Lee went to one knee in front of the mound, expecting to clear plenty of room for Lo Duca’s throw, and the pitcher was looking toward second when Lo Duca’s low throw whizzed just inches in front of his face.

“I just missed his nose, and he didn’t even flinch,” Lo Duca said of Lee. “As soon as I threw it, I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ ” *

As allowed under the new labor agreement, several Dodgers underwent random testing for anabolic steroids Wednesday and Thursday.... Shortstop Cesar Izturis, who tweaked a rib-cage muscle in his right side, did not participate in drills Thursday.... Left-hander Odalis Perez, weakened by flu-like symptoms earlier this week, is scheduled to pitch today against Baltimore.