Toronto Blue Jays Release David Cooper


Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays have given injured first baseman David Cooper his walking papers, releasing the 26 year old earlier today. The move will free up a roster spot for Lars Anderson, who looks to be Copper’s replacement in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons.

Don’t be surprised if Cooper does not resign with the Jays on a minor league deal. This move could be purely an organizational move to open up the roster spot rather than have Cooper on the 60 day disabled list while on the roster.

Cooper is attempting to recover from a back injury he suffered in 2012; the injury did not heal over the off-season which caused concern for Cooper this spring. There is no timetable set for Cooper and the injury may be career threatening.

The former 1st round pick hit .300 in 145 plate appearances with the Blue Jays. Cooper has spent parts if two seasons with the Jays hitting .270 with six home runs in 226 career at bats.

Cooper is a contact hitter with a smooth swing almost prototypical of Lyle Overbay. Cooper hit .364 in Triple A in 2011 and owns a career .301 average in 517 games at various levels. Cooper does not hit for much power and clogs up the base paths with below average speed.

Cooper will look to recover from his back injury and reassert himself as a major league first baseman. If I were a betting man I would look for the Blue Jays to sign Cooper to a minor league deal in the coming days.

Clayton Richer covers the Toronto Blue Jays for Rant Sports. Follow and interact with him on Twitter at @MLBHotCorner.


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