David Cooper Released by Toronto, Career Could be in Jeopardy

A back injury has led the Blue Jays to release David Cooper and it seems his career could be in jeopardy depending on how rehab continues to go. (Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Tough roster decisions are always a part of any team’s Spring Training, particularly when that team spent the winter stockpiling talented players as the Toronto Blue Jays did. Toronto made the first of those decisions today, though it appears that this one wasn’t quite in the “tough call” category. First baseman David Cooper has been released by the Blue Jays, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Cooper didn’t report to Spring Training with the team, still suffering from a bulging disk in his back that cut his 2012 season short. Cooper is scheduled to undergo additional rehab that could potentially last through the 2013 season. It’s unknown why the team elected to release him outright, rather than simply transfer him to the 60-day DL. However, it is possible the injury could be career ending without improvement. Toronto could look to re-sign him to minor league deal if they believe he will be able to return in 2014.

With 226 PA over the past two seasons in Toronto, Cooper is a career .270/.310/.441 hitter. The former 1st Round pick (#17 overall in 2008) holds a .301/.376/.473 line in 2,243 minor league plate appearances.