Jim Thome

According to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com, the Orioles are not an ideal fit for Jim Thome in 2013, as manager Buck Showalter would like to use the DH spot to rotate in-and-out, and give rest to some of his regular players.

The 42-year-old slugger is currently working out and interested in listening to offers. He would prefer to be a DH, but would be willing to take a job as a bench bat depending on the situation.

Jim Thome told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that he would like to play in 2013.

Jim Thome is undecided on whether he’ll play in 2013 or retire.

The news comes from Thome’s former manager Charlie Manuel, who spoke to the 42-year-old earlier this week. ???I think if somebody shows interest in him, he might [return],??? Manuel said. ???You know, I think he??’s one of those guys who is having a hard time trying to leave.??? Thome was limited to just 58 games in 2012, batting .252/.344/.442 with eight homers. If he does play in 2013, he’d surely have to settle for a job as a part-time DH.

Orioles GM Dan Duquette said he hasn’t had any contact with Jim Thome and isn’t sure whether he intends to play next season.

Thome batted .252/.344/.442 with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 58 games between the Phillies and Orioles in 2012. The 42-year-old free agent is believed to be considering retirement and hasn’t decided whether he’ll return for another season.

Jim Thome is in the Orioles’ starting lineup for Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday night against the Yankees.

Nate McLouth will lead off and J.J. Hardy will bat second. Behind those two, the O’s order goes Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Mark Reynolds, Thome, Manny Machado and Robert Andino. The Orioles lost Game 1 of the five-game series on Sunday night at Camden Yards.

Jim Thome, in his first game back since returning from the DL, smashed an RBI double in the 12th inning on Saturday to lead the Orioles to a critical 9-6 victory over the Red Sox in Boston.

Thome had been 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts heading into his final at-bat, but his clutch run-scoring knock more than made up for it. Adam Jones doubled off Alfredo Aceves to start the inning, and after a fly out, Thome came through in a big way. The 42-year-old slugger is hitting .248/.340/.445 with seven homers and 22 RBI in his 137 at-bats on the season.

Orioles activated DH Jim Thome from the 15-day disabled list.

Thome has been out since the end of July with a herniated disk in his neck but is ready to receive occasional DH duty for the O’s down the stretch. He’s batted .252/.347/.450 with seven homers over 48 games this season.

Barring a setback, Jim Thome (neck) will be activated from the disabled list Friday.

Thome, who has been out since the end of July with a herniated disk in his neck, played in a simulated game Monday and evidently didn’t have any issues. He should receive occasional DH duty for the O’s down the stretch.

Jim Thome (neck) is scheduled to play in a simulated game Monday.

Thome is close to being ready to contribute, and will be reevaluated later this week. If all goes as planned, he’ll return as a part-time designated hitter for the Orioles.