TORONTO

Jays Cooper to miss spring training with back injury

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

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)

Text:

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.