JUPITER, Fla. -- There is still uncertainty if Matt Lindstrom will be ready for Opening Day. But the Marlins have pretty much made it clear that their hard-throwing closer will not pitch in another Grapefruit League game this spring.

It's not because of a setback to Lindstrom. The team is protecting itself should the right-hander have to open the season on the disabled list.

Lindstrom suffered a strained right rotator cuff while pitching for Team USA on March 15 in the World Baseball Classic. On Friday, he had an encouraging day, throwing 35 pitches off the mound for the first time since he was hurt.

In recent days, Lindstrom has been throwing off flat ground. He was back on the mound Friday tossing only fastballs. Next up, on Sunday, he will implement all his pitches. If that goes well, he could start pitching in Minor League games next week.

Lindstrom hasn't ruled out being ready for the April 6 opener against the Nationals at Dolphin Stadium.

"I hope so," Lindstrom said when asked if that date was realistic. "Like I said, I'm making all my scheduled [throw dates]. I don't have any setbacks."

When Lindstrom is game-ready, he will pitch in Minor League games, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez.

That's because if Lindstrom pitches in a Grapefruit League game before the season starts, then the Marlins wouldn't be able to backdate a disabled-list date, should he not be ready.

Players can be placed on the disabled list, retroactive to 10 days before their season starts. In the case of the Marlins, who open on April 6, they can backdate a DL date to March 28. By doing that, should the Marlins feel Lindstrom needed to go on the disabled list to begin the year, he would be eligible to return as soon as April 11 against the Mets. Under that scenario, he would miss four regular-season games.

"I'm champing at the bit," Lindstrom said of returning to game action. "Now, I know if I miss the first few days, it's at least better than missing the whole year."