White Sox claim Alex Rios off waivers

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox claimed two-time all-star outfielder Alex Rios off waivers from Toronto Tuesday, giving up nothing in exchange.

"Alex Rios was claimed off waivers and we awarded that player to the White Sox," Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "Nobody came back in return. Alex gets to go to Chicago and the White Sox assume his contract. This allows us some more financial flexibility to address our club going forward."

Rios is in the first year of a six-year, $64 million extension he signed in April.

The 28-year-old is hitting .264 after three straight seasons with a batting average of .291 or better. He has 14 home runs and 62 RBI in 108 games this year.

In 2007, Rios had career-highs of 24 home runs and 85 RBI while batting .297. The .285 career hitter has 81 homers and 395 RBI through seven years in the big leagues, all with the Blue Jays.