:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17578639/20120720_jel_sl8_061.0.jpg)
The waiver season has officially kicked off for the Chicago White Sox. Casper Wells is the first player to be moved, and was claimed on waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies today.
Wells came to the Sox on April 29 this season after already spending time on the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland A's during the month. Wells has been mainly a defensive replacement for the Sox and put up a .167/.225/.182 line in 71 plate appearances with the Sox over 38 games. Unfortunately for Wells, his time here may be more remembered for his pitching appearance in the 19-10 loss to the Cleveland Indians.
There has not been any mention of who will fill Wells's spot of the the roster, but Charles Leesman will be added as the 26th man tomorrow so he can start the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins. This might mean that Avisail Garcia will be joining the Sox as well.
Many had thought that Alex Rios was going to be moved prior to the non-waiver deadline. When that passed, there was still hope that Rios would be moved through the waiver period. That just might be happening.
Sources: #WhiteSox’s Alex Rios claimed on waivers. Claiming team not known. Owed $13M next season with $13.5M club option in ’15. MORE
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 8, 2013
If Rios has been claimed, the Sox have 48 hours to work out a deal with the claiming team or revoke the waiver and keep him. With Rios hitting .277/.328/421 this season, the Sox will probably be looking for some compensation other than just relief from Rios' salary of approximately $4 million for the rest of this season and $12.5 million for 2014.
Update: the unknown team appears to be the Texas Rangers.
MLB Sources: Rangers did claim Alex Rios. But claiming him and acquiring him 2 very different things.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) August 8, 2013