By Mike Brandyberry

Several sources, including Ken Rosenthal, have reported that the Cleveland Indians have been awarded the waiver claim on Minnesota Twins designated hitter, Jim Thome. The Twins placed Thome on waivers on Monday afternoon. The two teams have 48 hours to negotiate a trade or he will finish the year with the Twins. The deadline is believed to be Friday, at 1 pm.

Thome is hitting .248, with 12 home runs and 40 runs batted in, in 70 games this season. Thome became the eighth player to hit 600 home runs in baseball history on August 15. Thome could easily replace Travis Hafner in the Indians lineup, who may have to have season ending foot surgery.

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