David

Cooper

David Cooper is getting another start at first base in Lind’s absence.

Cooper is blocked at first base in Toronto by Adam Lind, who is under team control through 2016 at a team-friendly rate. The 24-year-old prospect batted .364/.439/.535 with nine home runs, 51 doubles and 96 RBI in 120 games this year at the Triple-A level. He was the 17th overall pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft.

The move is precautionary, and Cooper is viewed as day-to-day. Edwin Encarnacion is now playing first base.

Cooper had a flare-up while playing in a rehab game on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old first baseman batted .300 with a .788 OPS in 45 games this season for Toronto.

Gomes hit two homers but batted just .227/.296/.500 over 22 at-bats during his brief stint with the big club. David Cooper now figures to be the team’s starting first baseman for the time being.

Cooper took tough Rays closer Fernando Rodney deep in the ninth. The bomb was his second in four games, and fourth in 93 at-bats this season. He’s now hitting .280/.316/.473. Cooper is far from a dynamic fantasy option, but his power makes him worth an own in AL-only leagues while Adam Lind is on the shelf.

Cooper should get a chance at some playing time at first base with Adam Lind now in the minors. The 25-year-old has batted .298/.378/.497 with six homers and 34 RBI for Las Vegas this season.

He finished the night 2-for-4 also adding a double. Though there has been talk of the Jays recalling Adam Lind or Vladimir Guerrero in the near future, Cooper has provided solid production while in the lineup. He’s now hitting .360 (9-for-25) and has driven home three runs. If given the chance at everyday at-bats, he could become relevant in most fantasy leagues.

Cooper was a late scratch from Sunday’s lineup due to lower back tightness, but it shouldn’t be an issue moving forward. The 25-year-old is hitting .297/.322/.464 with four home runs, 11 RBI and a .785 OPS in 44 games with the Jays this season and continues to be a useful option in AL-only leagues.

Cooper was hitting .364 prior to the recent slump, which played a big role in the Jays’ decision not to give Vladimir Guerrero a try. One wonders if they might end up regretting that.