Rangers Claim Rios Off Waivers

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The Texas Rangers made a waiver claim on Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios this week, but a trade might not be in the offing, according to multiple reports.

The White Sox placed Rios on waivers Monday and the Rangers were awarded the claim on Wednesday. The move means that the White Sox could trade Rios only to the Rangers or choose to pull him back and hold onto him for the rest of the season.

The Rangers and White Sox discussed a Rios trade before the July 31 deadline, but talks broke down.

The Rangers are searching for help in their lineup after outfielder Nelson Cruz was suspended for 50 games as part of the Biogenesis scandal and while first baseman-DH Lance Berkman remains on the disabled list.

The 32-year-old Rios is hitting .277 with 12 homers, 55 RBIs and 26 stolden bases.

Rios has approximately $4 million remaining on his contract this year and is under contract for $12.5 million in 2014. He also has a $13.5 million option or a $1 million buyout in 2015.