The Indians are closing in on a Major League deal with first baseman David Cooper, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (Twitter link).
The 26-year-old Cooper was the 17th overall selection by the Blue Jays in the 2008 draft and began a comeback from injuries with the Indians' minor league affiliates in 2013. Cooper batted .314/.364/.373 in 55 PAs with the Tribe's Rookie league and Triple-A affilates last season. In parts of three Triple-A seasons, Cooper is a .341/.417/.525 batter. He batted .300/.324/.464 in 125 PAs with the Blue Jays in 2012.
Earlier this season, Crasnick profiled Cooper's career-threatening spinal injury that was alleviated by a radical thoracic spinal surgery.
It’s a possible plan. “The Indians have a bit of a logjam building up in their outfield. The team already has three starting outfielders in Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn and Stubbs, but Nick Swisher could soon be forced back into the outfield.
With Yan Gomes figuring to take over everyday reps as the team’s starting catcher, Swisher could slot in at right field with Carlos Santana taking over full-time duties at first base.”