"Indians manager Manny Acta filled out one-ninth of his lineup for tonight's game against the Royals, minutes after Jim Thome's acquisition from the Twins became official.

"I'm anticipating him hitting cleanup -- if he's OK with that," Acta told The Plain Dealer at his charity bowling event in downtown Cleveland. "I can't wait to see him in our uniform."

Thome, the franchise's all-time leader with 334 homers, will attempt to fill a void at designated hitter. Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list earlier this week because of a foot injury.

"This could not have come at a better time," Acta said. "Not only are we bringing in a bat we need now that Travis is on the DL, but we're getting veteran leadership that this club can benefit from. Jim has so much respect in the game, and the franchise and the fan base have so much love for him.

"It's the perfect script, an unbelievable acquisition, regardless of the outcome of the season." "