Cooper is expected to see his first game action of the spring Monday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal at the end of February to give the team depth at first base. Fellow newcomer Michael Busch is expected to be the starter there, and Cody Bellinger can also play first when he's not in center field. However, Cooper could make the case for more regular playing time if he looks good in Cactus League action.

Cooper signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Sunday, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper was an All-Star in 2022 and put together another solid season in 2023, slashing .251/.304/.419 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI and 42 runs over 123 games between the Marlins and Padres. He'll have to settle for a minor-league contract with the Cubs but will compete for a roster spot as a non-roster invitee this spring. The Cubs had a question mark at first base heading into spring training but alleviated some of those concerns by agreeing to terms with Cody Bellinger on Sunday. The team also has young players available to play first base when Bellinger is in center field, as Michael Busch was traded from the Dodgers to the Cubs this offseason, while Matt Mervis made his major-league debut for Chicago in 2023. However, if the Cubs don't feel as though Busch or Mervis are ready to handle regular playing time, Cooper could land on the active roster to provide a veteran presence.

Cooper went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Wednesday's 5-2 extra-inning win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper tied the game at 2-2 with his seventh-inning blast. The first baseman logged just his second multi-hit effort in September, a month in which he's gone 10-for-48 (.208) with three homers and nine RBI over 18 games. He's at a .254/.306/.426 slash line with 17 homers, 18 doubles, 61 RBI, 42 runs scored and no stolen bases through 121 games between San Diego and Miami this year.

Cooper went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Monday's 11-9 win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper had struggled recently, going 1-for-13 over his previous seven games, though he had four walks in that span. His second-inning blast got the Padres on the board in this contest. The first baseman has a career-high 16 homers while adding 59 RBI, 40 runs scored, 17 doubles, a triple and a .252/.301/.421 slash line through 115 games between San Diego and Miami this season.

Cooper is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper finds himself on the bench for the second straight game and the fourth time in San Diego's past six. It appears the 32-year-old won't have an everyday spot in the lineup down the stretch, with Jurickson Profar and Ji-Man Choi in the mix at first base.

Cooper will sit Saturday against Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper owns a .485 OPS over his last 12 games, well below the .869 OPS he managed over his first 18 games as a Padre. Ji-Man Choi will handle first base Saturday.

Cooper isn't in the Padres' lineup Saturday against Houston.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper is slashing just .237/.281/.405 against right-handers this season, and he'll ride the bench Saturday against righty Cristian Javier. Jurickson Profar will draw the start at first base instead and bat seventh.

Cooper is not in the lineup Friday against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Matt Carpenter will play first base and bat seventh versus the Astros and right-hander Hunter Brown. Cooper has struggled against righties this year, but he should generally be the Padres' primary first baseman over what remains of the 2023 season.

Cooper is absent from the lineup Tuesday versus the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Matt Carpenter will start at first base and bat seventh for the Padres as they take on right-hander Michael Lorenzen. Acquired from the Marlins just before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, Cooper is slashing .271/.333/.429 with two homers and 10 RBI in 24 games (78 plate appearances) so far with San Diego.

Cooper is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper has been operating as San Diego's primary first baseman over the past couple weeks, and he's succeeded in the role with an .805 OPS in his last 11 games. Matt Carpenter will start at first and bat seventh for Sunday's series finale versus San Francisco.