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Despite waiver interest, Robertson stays with White Sox

When the White Sox open a three-game series at Minnesota Tuesday night, David Robertson will still be in the bullpen.

On Monday, the Sox could have traded their closer back to his old team, the New York Yankees.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Yankees claimed Robertson off waivers over the weekend and had until 1 p.m. (Chicago time) Monday to strike a deal with the Sox.

A trade never happened, so what exactly happened?

Here are three likely scenarios:

• Hundreds of players are placed on revocable waivers in August, and the White Sox were simply trying to gauge interest in Robertson's value.

Players run through the waiver wire that are claimed by other teams can be pulled back for any reason.

• The Yankees were never interested in making a realistic offer for Robertson, who is 6-3 with a 2.60 ERA and 27 saves in 33 opportunities for the Sox this season.

New York might have been trying to block two better American League teams, the Blue Jays and Astros.

When a player is placed on waivers, the claiming order starts with the team that owns the worst record in his particular league and ascends to the team with the best record.

• The White Sox want to keep Robertson and try to make another playoff run next season and beyond.

Had they wanted to simply shed the remaining $38 million Robertson is owed through 2018, the Sox could have let the Yankees have him for nothing in return.

Remember when the White Sox claimed Alex Rios off waivers from Toronto in August of 2009?

The Blue Jays were happy to let Rios go without getting anything back, and the Sox absorbed the remaining $62 million on the outfielder's contract.

In hindsight, it was a terrible move by the White Sox.

For now, Robertson is still the Sox' closer.

But if they have a better idea of his value after the waiver experience, the White Sox can always trade Robertson in the off-season.

If they do decide to shed his remaining salary, Nate Jones is the obvious option to take over as closer.

Just over a year removed from Tommy John surgery, Jones has been very good for the Sox since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 5.

The right-hander still throws almost 100 mph, and Jones has allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in 9⅔ innings (1.86 ERA) while striking out 15.

"Everything feels good," Jones said. "We have a great training staff and strength and conditioning coach. They got my legs under me and made sure I was conditioned to throw."

Scouting report

White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins at Target Field

TV: Comcast SportsNet today; WPWR Wednesday; WGN Thursday

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Pitching matchups: The Sox' Chris Sale (12-7) vs. Tyler Duffey (2-1) today at 7:10 p.m.; TBA vs. Tommy Milone (6-4) Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.; TBA vs. Kyle Gibson (9-9) Thursday at 12:10 p.m.

At a glance: Rosters can expand in September, and the White Sox are expected to bring up Erik Johnson from Class AAA Charlotte. The right-hander is likely to start one of the TBA games against the Twins, with Carlos Rodon going in the other game. The Sox are 4-9 vs. Minnesota this season (1-6 at Target Field). Sale has struggled vs. the Twins this season, going 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA. Minnesota has won 8 of 10 and is in the hunt for the final wild-card spot.

Next: Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Friday-Sunday

- Scot Gregor

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