Report: White Sox pull Roberston off waivers after Yankees win claim

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The New York Yankees are doing everything they can - on and off the field - to stop the surging Toronto Blue Jays from running away with the division.

According to multiple reports, on Monday the Yankees won the waiver claim on Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson, who spurned New York's qualifying offer this offseason in order to sign a multi-year deal in the Windy City.

At least part of the motivation to claim their former reliever, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, was to block their division rivals from possibly acquiring the 30-year-old right-hander.

No deal was reached ahead of Monday's deadline, though, as the White Sox pulled Robertson off trade waivers shortly after news of the Yankees' successful claim surfaced, reports CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

The Blue Jays, who maintain a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL East over the Yankees, have been nearly unstoppable since a series of stunning blockbuster moves helped them steam roll to a 21-5 August record entering play Monday.

Robertson, an All-Star in 2011, has lived up to the expectations of his four-year, $46-million contract. The White Sox stopper owns a 2.60 ERA with 27 saves and a 12.3 K/9 rate across 48 appearances this season.