Bronx, NY -- (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox claimed outfielder Alex Rios off waivers from Toronto, and the Blue Jays opted to rid themselves of the high-priced slugger for 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. It's not from a standpoint of a financial dump, that's not the message we're trying to send here. Since we've done the contract, things have changed. This allows us some more financial flexibility to address our club going forward. Cash is king going forward, especially in the environment we're in."

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

The 28-year-old has struggled at the plate in 2009, hitting just .264 after three straight seasons with a batting average of .291 or better. The two-time All-Star has also compiled 14 home runs and 62 RBI in 108 games this year.

Rios came into his own in 2007, when he recorded career-highs of 24 home runs and 85 RBI while batting .297. The .285 career hitter has logged 81 homers and 395 RBI through his seven years in the big leagues, all with the Blue Jays.

The Sox are three games behind AL Central-leading Detroit.

Their typical starting outfield prior to Rios' acquisition was Scott Podsednik in center field, Jermaine Dye in right and Carlos Quentin in left. Jim Thome is usually slotted as the designated hitter.