Jays Cooper to miss spring training with back injury

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman David Cooper looks down after allowing Detroit Tigers' Omar Infante single that scored Andy Dirks in the sixth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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The Canadian Press
Published Sunday, February 17, 2013 5:44PM EST
Last Updated Sunday, February 17, 2013 6:31PM EST

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Toronto Blue Jays first baseman David Cooper won't be at spring training this year due to a serious back injury, the club announced Sunday.

Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Tyson Brummett has been added to the big league camp as a non-roster invitee, rather than reporting to the Jays' minor league camp.

Cooper is seeing specialists, hoping for help with a disc issue.

"It's going to be longer than we were hoping," said manager John Gibbons. "So that's bad news."

Cooper split last season between Toronto and triple-A Las Vegas. He hit .300 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 140 at-bats in 45 games with the Jays in 2012.

Brummett was claimed off waivers from the Phillies in October.