White Sox win claim on Manny Ramirez By Sports Network

Los Angeles Dodgers batter Manny Ramirez reacts after being struck out looking by Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dave Bush to end the fifth inning of their MLB National League game in Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 24, 2010. REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Chicago White Sox have reportedly been awarded Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez through a waiver claim, MLB.com has confirmed.

There is still the matter of either finalizing a trade with Los Angeles before the Tuesday deadline or assuming the remaining balance on Ramirez's two-year $20 million contract that is set to expire at season's end. The 12-time All- Star is due roughly $4.5 million. The Dodgers also reserve the right to pull Ramirez back off waivers.

Friday's development means that no National League team put in a claim for Ramirez, but the report states the Rangers were confirmed as putting in a claim as well. Waiver claims are awarded based on standings, and first to the league in which the player currently resides.

Chicago would have had first crack at Ramirez based on its inferior record between the two clubs.

Ramirez hit waivers on Wednesday with Los Angeles seemingly destined to sit out postseason play this season. However, that came in the midst of a three- game sweep of Milwaukee -- possibly complicating the decision to let Ramirez leave. The Dodgers sit five games back in the wild card standings entering a weekend set with the Rockies.

The 38-year-old Ramirez just came back off the disabled list Saturday after an extended absence due to a right calf strain. He was hitless in seven at-bats upon his return before going 2-for-2 with two doubles, a pair of walks and an RBI during Wednesday's win over the Brewers. He's hitting .313 with a .407 on- base percentage, eight home runs and 40 RBI in 64 games this season.