White Sox acquire Rios

The White Sox claimed outfielder Alex Rios off of waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a Toronto newspaper.

Rios, 28, is hitting .264 with 14 home runs, 62 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 108 games with the Jays this season. He has averaged .285 with 16 home runs, 79 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in six seasons with Toronto, and scouts consider him to be a five-tool player.

The Sox did not send a player to Toronto in return, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. The Sox likely will be responsible for most or all of Rios' salary, which calls for $9.7 million in 2010, $12 million in 2011, $12 million in 2012, $12.5 million in 2013, $12.5 million in 2014, and a $13.5 million club option for 2015.

Reports surfaced last week that the Sox had placed a waiver claim on Rios. General manager Ken Williams sidestepped questions about Rios, although the team's front office indicated that waiver-claim stories typically were more smoke than fire.

It is unclear how the Sox will use Rios through the rest of the season. He has played right field and center field with the Jays, and he likely will take Scott Podsednik's spot in center field when he joins the Sox.

In the long term, Rios fills the team's question mark in center field. Jermaine Dye has a $12 million option for next season, while Jim Thome, Jose Contreras and Octavio Dotel's contracts all will expire.

Rios, who was born in Alabama, bats right-handed and throws right-handed.

-Tom Musick