CLEVELAND (AP) — Jim Thome has accepted a trade to the Cleveland Indians from the Minnesota Twins.

The Indians are hoping their career leader in home runs can help them catch first-place Detroit in the AL Central.

Thome spent 12 seasons with Cleveland from 1991-2002, hitting a team-record 334 homers. He hit 52 in his final year before signing as a free agent with Philadelphia, a decision that angered many Indians fans. He also had a stint as a slugger for the Chicago White Sox before going to the Twins.

Earlier this month, Thome became the eighth player in history to hit 600 homers.

The 40-year-old Thome waived a no-trade clause in his contract to clear his return to the Indians, who have been in contention all season but have lost six of their last seven games amid a rash of injuries.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)