David Cooper Has Serious Back Injury, Will Not Be Reporting To Spring Training

Just a few minutes ago, Sportsnet's Barry Davis went on the Fan 590 to report that Toronto Blue Jays first baseman David Cooper will be missing the entire 2013 spring training. Cooper's back had been acting up lately and according to Mike Wilner's tweet, the injury is considered "serious" and he will be seeing specialists. Gregor Chisholm wrote on Twitter that it may be a long-term injury and that surgery has not been ruled out.

#Bluejays announce that David Cooper will not be reporting to camp this spring - has a back issue, seeing specialists, it's serious. #Jays

— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness590) February 17, 2013

Cooper will visit a back specialist in the near future. Sounds like surgery has not been ruled out and this could be a long-term thing.

— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) February 17, 2013

Cooper was considered to be the front runner to play first base for the AAA Buffalo Bisons in 2013. His injury gives Adam Loewen an opportunity to fight for the starting job with Andy LaRoche. The Blue Jays lost Mike McDade, who played first base for AA New Hampshire last season, on a waiver claim to the Cleveland Indians right before the Rule 5 draft this past offseason.