Jim Thome planning to return for the 2011 season - MLB

Jim Thome sits eighth on the all-time career home run list with 589 dingers. And now it sounds like he might catch Sammy Sosa (609) at seventh before his playing years are through.

The veteran designated hitter told the St. Paul Pioneer Press after Saturday’s ALDS loss that he plans on returning for the 2011 season.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to come back,” he said.

Thome, 40, posted an excellent .283/.412/.627 batting line and 25 homers in just 276 at-bats this year. It’s safe to assume that he has interest in rejoining the Twins, but his free agent value will be pretty high and a number of teams will be on the hunt for power this winter.

Thome signed a bargain-rate $1.5 million contract with Minnesota last offseason after the White Sox decided to let him walk. The Twins won the American League Central but were eliminated in the ALDS this weekend by the Yankees.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.