BY MiamiHerald.com
Dan Uggla was a popular guy around the Marlins' clubhouse a day after his spectacular catch was shown repeatedly on national sports shows and the local news. In the sixth inning of Tuesday's loss, Uggla raced into foul territory to catch a popup, diving headfirst into the stands behind first base to make the play.

''We don't work on plays in the stands,'' Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

''I thought it was just going to be a regular popup into foul territory, and it just kept going,'' Uggla said. ``I glanced at the wall, saw I was right there and jumped. It just caught my glove.

``Anytime you get graced on those shows, it's fun to watch. It's cool to see yourself up there.''

Catcher Mike Rabelo reiterated that he meant no disrespect to the Dodgers or baserunner Blake DeWitt when he spiked the ball after tagging out DeWitt in a collision at the plate to end the eighth inning of Tuesday's game.

''I'm going to go about my business, and it's over,'' Rabelo said.

The Dodgers didn't seem to have a problem with Rabelo's theatrics, although Gonzalez said it didn't suit his tastes.

''I just don't like to see that on the field,'' Gonzalez said. ``It wasn't a big deal. I just like to see my players be professional, make the play and flip the ball to the mound and come into the dugout. It's just me.''

Left fielder Josh Willingham missed his second consecutive start Wednesday because of a sore back, and first baseman Mike Jacobs was unavailable after getting a cortisone shot in his injured right middle finger. Both expect to be back in the lineup Thursday for the final game of the series against the Dodgers.

Willingham, who leads all Florida regulars with a .341 batting average, said his back felt stiff when he woke up Wednesday but loosened as the day progressed.

• Right-handed starter Josh Johnson is scheduled to face live batters Friday in Jupiter for the first time since having elbow surgery in August.

----------------------------------------------------------------------