CLEVELAND - Kenny Lofton returned for his third stint with Cleveland — and another playoff run — on Friday as the Texas Rangers traded the 40-year-old outfielder to the Indians for minor league catcher Max Ramirez.

Texas Rangers center fielder Kenny Lofton prepares to catch a pop up by Seattle Mariners' Jamie Burke in the second inning of the second baseball game in a doubleheader in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Lofton was expected to arrive in Cleveland and be in the lineup for their series opener against the Minnesota Twins.

The Indians entered the weekend 1 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central and leading the wild card. They've been in the market for a left-handed hitter with speed and had been scouting Lofton the past few weeks with the July 31 non-waiver deadline nearing.

Lofton was a five-time All-Star in nine seasons in Cleveland, the leadoff catalyst for the Indians, who dominated their division throughout the 1990s but haven't made the playoffs since he left as a free agent following the 2001 season.

Sometimes moody off the field but never a problem on it, Lofton was always one of Cleveland's most popular players and he has not spent more than one season anywhere else. Since getting a 20-game trial with the Houston Astros late in the 1991 season, Lofton has played for 10 other teams.

But although he's near the end of his career, the Indians believe he can help them get back to the postseason. With David Dellucci on the disabled list and Trot Nixon slumping, Cleveland needed another outfielder and Lofton was having a solid season — his 17th in the majors — batting .303 with seven homers and 23 RBIs for the Rangers.

Lofton also has 21 steals, and will immediately give Cleveland's lineup a needed boost of speed at the top. The Indians have stolen only 54 bases.

Manager Eric Wedge will likely play Lofton in either right or left, flanking All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore.

Lofton is Cleveland's franchise leader in steals (450) and ranks third in club history in runs (951). In nine seasons with the Indians, Lofton batted .300 and won four straight Gold Gloves patrolling center field.

Since signing with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent in 2002, Lofton, a .299 career hitter, has played for seven teams as he tries to win an elusive World Series ring.

In his final game for the Rangers on Wednesday, Lofton homered and drove in three runs in a 7-6 win over Seattle.

With Texas again in last place in the AL West, there had been plenty of interest from contending teams in Lofton and Mark Teixeira.

The Indians acquired Ramirez last season from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for closer Bob Wickman.