Caleb Thielbar
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2014Antiques44000253540.22215104833.32
2015Trolleys20001009.1312600.96
2021Flyers3100032042.21914254962.95
2022Flyers2700021039.14224193945.49
2023Flyers2300011035.03117154444.37
2024Flyers1400001014.2221542159.20
2025Flyers20001004.210613311.57
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Dec 31 2025The Cubs signed Thielbar to a one-year contract Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar will turn 38 in January and had a down 2024 season, posting a 5.32 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 53:24 K:BB over 47.1 innings. However, he boasted a 30.6 percent strikeout rate and 7.0 percent walk rate from 2021 to 2023, so the left-handed reliever seems like a fine gamble on a one-year deal.
May 27 2025Thielbar, who retired two batters in Monday's 3-1 win over the Rockies without allowing a run to record a hold, now has a 2.37 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 22 appearances this season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has pitched well in his first year with the Cubs, and he's now gone eight straight appearances without allowing a run. The veteran lefty struggled last season in Minnesota, posting a 5.32 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 59 games, but his 2025 figures are closer to his career marks of a 3.32 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Thielbar should remain a key member of Chicago's bullpen, particularly due to his success against left-handed hitters. Batters from the same side are only hitting .071 against Thielbar this year.
May 12 2025The Cubs reinstated Thielbar (personal) from the paternity list Monday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was away from the Cubs for the maximum three games while he welcomed a new addition to his family. Chicago optioned righty Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster and in the bullpen for Thielbar.
May 9 2025The Cubs placed Thielbar on the paternity list Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar's wife gave birth Friday, and the left-handed reliever could miss the weekend series against the Mets. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled Tom Cosgrove from Triple-A Iowa.
Apr 20 2025Thielbar (1-0) tossed two scoreless innings of relief with a strikeout to earn the win in Saturday's 6-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar worked the fifth and sixth innings after starter Ben Brown covered the first four frames. That set the lefty reliever up for his first win in a Chicago uniform. Thielbar allowed two runs in his third appearance of the year, but since then, the veteran reliever has only allowed two total runs across 6.1 innings in seven appearances. His fantasy upside is limited, however, as a middle-relief option for the Cubs.
Aug 9 2024Thielbar threw two perfect innings while striking out two in Friday's 6-3 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar struggled to start the season with a 8.04 ERA and 5.2 BB/9 in his first 15.2 innings. However, he's turned his season around since June 12 with a 2.81 ERA and 19:5 K:BB ratio in 16 innings. He had seemingly lost the ability to control his looping curveball early in the season, but has been back to top form recently. He could play a key role in high-leverage spots for the Twins with Brock Stewart out for the season due to a shoulder injury.
Jun 27 2024Thielbar threw 1.1 scoreless innings without a strikeout or walk Thursday against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a confidence building performance for Thielbar who had struggled in June. Thielbar had allowed nine runs (seven earned) and eight hits in his previous 3.2 innings over seven games. He had seemingly lost the ability to control his big breaking curve ball, but looked back to form Thursday. He's been limited to lower-leverage roles while he works out of his slump.
May 6 2024Thielbar struck out two batters in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Mariners on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar faced the heart of Seattle's lineup after Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect eighth inning. It was Thielbar's third save of the year and first since April 29. He lowered his ERA to 6.14 with a 9:3 K:BB through 7.1 innings. Duran should still see most of the save chances in Minnesota but the team may elect for more of a committee approach for now.
Apr 29 2024Thielbar earned the save Monday against the White Sox, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Theilbar followed both Griffin Jax and Brock Stewart for his second save in as many appearances. However, with Jhoan Duran (oblique) expected to be activated Tuesday after an IL stint, Thielbar will likely return to a middle relief role.
Apr 26 2024Thielbar allowed a hit and recorded one out to pick up a save over the Angels on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar entered a 5-2 game with two outs and two runners on base. He gave up an RBI single to Zach Neto -- which was charged to Matt Bowman -- before closing out the contest. It was Thielbar's first save of the season. He now owns a 10.38 ERA with 4:2 K:BB through 4.1 frames.
Apr 14 2024The Twins activated Thielbar (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar opened the season on the injured list with a hamstring strain but is ready to join the big club after two rehab appearances with Triple-A St. Paul. The left-hander recorded 14 holds and had a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 36:6 K:BB across 30.2 innings last season, and he should fill a high-leverage role for the Twins now that he's healthy.
Apr 12 2024Thielbar (hamstring) gave up a home run with four strikeouts and no walks over two innings Thursday for Triple-A St. Paul. He could be activated from the injured list this weekend, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Theilbar has made two appearances for Triple-A St. Paul during his rehab sting and given up one run over three innings with a 5:1 K:BB ratio. The Twins had wanted him to make two appearances, so he looks ready to return.
Apr 9 2024Thielbar (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins' bullpen has been hit hard by injuries, but they should get one of their key relievers in Thielbar back soon. He posted a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 ERA and 36:6 K:BB over 30.2 innings for Minnesota last season.
Apr 6 2024Thielbar (hamstring) threw a 20-pitch live session Saturday and is progressing towards a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar started the season on the 15-day injured list after missing spring training action due to a left hamstring strain. In 2023 with the Twins, Thielbar posted a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 ERA and 36:6 K:BB over 30.2 innings.
Mar 28 2024The Twins placed Thielbar (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar is one of six Twins relievers that will begin the season on the injured list. He's eligible for activation April 9, but since he didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games while recovering from the left hamstring strain, Thielbar may need more than the minimum 15 days to complete his recovery before being ready to join Minnesota.
Mar 18 2024Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Monday that Thielbar (hamstring) will begin the season on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar had a setback with his left hamstring during Saturday's live batting practice session. There's no timetable at this juncture for the left-handed reliever's return. It's a blow to a bullpen that will also be without Jhoan Duran (oblique) at the start of the season.
Mar 16 2024Thielbar (hamstring) a 20-pitch live batting practice session without issue Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar hasn't been able to run at full speed with his injury, but hasn't had issues pitching. There's still time for him to be ready for Opening Day, but he may need to show he can pitch in a major league spring training game in the next week.
Mar 12 2024Thielbar (hamstring) still isn't able to run at full speed, but believes he'll be ready for Opening Day, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He threw another batting practice session Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a little worrisome he can't run at full speed, but it sounds like he has enough time to be ready for the start of the season. He will try to progress to appearing in a spring game in the next week. Thielbar is an impact reliever who will serve in the setup corps for the Twins again this season.
Mar 11 2024Thielbar (hamstring) threw a live batting practice session Saturday, MLB.com reports. "I don't know exact timeline, but I anticipate being just fine for the second half of March at least to get into some games and be ready to go," Thielbar said afterward. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins could have Thielbar throw one more live BP session before turning him loose in a game setting for his Grapefruit League debut, but the reliever still looks on pace to be ready for Opening Day. Thielbar, who is recovering from a left hamstring strain, turned in a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 36:6 K:BB while collecting 14 holds and three wins in 30.2 innings out of the Minnesota bullpen in 2023.
Mar 1 2024Thielbar is dealing with a left hamstring strain and is throwing a bullpen session Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.comreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander's start to spring training has been slowed by the injury, but it's encouraging he's now throwing off a mound. Thielbar is scheduled for a live bullpen session next week and should then work through his standard spring buildup.
Jan 11 2024The Twins and Thielbar avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.225 million contract Thursday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was arbitration-eligible for the third and final time. The left-handed reliever missed some time with injury in 2023 but was highly successful when on the bump, contributing a 3.23 ERA and 36:6 K:BB over 30.2 frames. He'll be a setup man again in 2024.
Jul 30 2023The Twins reinstated Thielbar (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar will rejoin the Minnesota bullpen for the first time since early June after he recently completed a two-appearance rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul in which he struck out two over two scoreless innings. The left-hander was one of the Twins' top setup options in both of the previous two seasons, but he's been limited to just 10.1 innings at the big-league level in 2023 due to oblique injuries.
Jul 26 2023Thielbar (oblique) will make a final rehab appearance for Triple-A St. Paul this weekend before rejoining the Twins early next week in St. Louis, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins have been without their key left-hander for nearly three months due to a nagging oblique issue. Thielbar has had one scoreless rehab outing for St. Paul and will have a final tune-up this weekend before being activated.
Jul 24 2023Thielbar (oblique) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has been limited to just one appearance since May 3 due to a pair of injured list stints because of a strained right oblique. He's finally game-ready again, though, and should be ready to rejoin the Twins' bullpen following a handful of rehab outings.
Jul 21 2023Thielbar (oblique) threw a bullpen session Thursday and will pitch live batting practice Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins are expected to make plans for a rehab assignment after Saturday's throwing session. It's possible he could return in early August.
Jul 16 2023Thielbar (oblique) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session in St. Paul without any issues on July 16, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll next throw another bullpen session Saturday and the Twins are expected to make pans for a rehab assignment soon after. It looks like he may not return until August as a result.
Jul 7 2023Thielbar (oblique) threw a bullpen session Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar threw 16 pitches during his session with a velocity of roughly 85 mph. He said afterwards that he was pleased with his performance, though there is still quite a bit of work yet to be done. Thielbar has been on the shelf since June 9 and is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break.
Jun 26 2023Thielbar (right oblique strain) has started throwing, but is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar missed more than a month with an oblique strain and aggravated the injury in his first appearance back from the injured list. Expect the Twins to be cautious with his return as a result, so his comeback may stretch into late July.
Jun 9 2023Thielbar was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right oblique strain, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar just returned from the same injury this past weekend and made just one appearance before evidently suffering a setback. He missed more than a month with the injury the first time around. Josh Winder is taking Thielbar's spot in the bullpen.
Jun 4 2023Minnesota activated Thielbar (oblique) on Sunday off the 15-day injured list. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar fired two scoreless rehab appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, and while he wasn't activated as expected before Friday's game against the Guardians, the left-hander will now get a chance to be a mid-innings option for the Minnesota bullpen. Cole Sands (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day IL in the corresponding transaction.
Jun 3 2023Thielbar (oblique) was not activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday as the Twins want to make sure he's fully healthy, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "It had been awhile since he had thrown, so we want to give him a couple of days," Twins bench coach Jayce Tingler said. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar made two appearances at Triple-A and was expected to be activated from the injured list Friday. It's not clear how long the Twins will wait to activate him from the injured list, but it doesn't appear he's had any kind of setback.
Jun 1 2023Thielbar (oblique) will be evaluated by the Twins on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has thrown two scoreless innings while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul. If all goes well during his evaluation, there's a good chance the Twins activate Thielbar off the injured list Friday. The 36-year-old reliever holds a 1.80 ERA across 10 innings and has been sidelined since May 5 with a right oblique strain.
May 30 2023Thielbar (oblique) threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout Tuesday for Triple-A St. Paul during a rehab assignment. He's expected to throw again Thursday for the Saints, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like Thielbar could be activated from the injured list as early as this weekend. He had a 1.80 ERA through 11 appearances this season with Minnesota when he suffered a right oblique strain in early May. He'll bolster a struggling relief corps when he returns.
May 26 2023Thielbar (oblique) is slated to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar should be cleared to return to the Twins' bullpen after just a couple of tuneup outings at the Triple-A level. He was sporting a shiny 1.80 ERA through 11 appearances this season with Minnesota when he suffered a right oblique strain in early May.
May 23 2023Thielbar (oblique) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 36-year-old southpaw reportedly reached the mid-80s and was satisfied with his intensity. Thielbar will throw another bullpen session within the next few days, at which point the Twins will determine his next steps. Thielbar has been on the injured list since May 5 with a right oblique strain.
May 20 2023Thielbar (oblique) has resumed playing catch and is expected to throw off the mound next week, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar is currently on the injured list with a right oblique strain, but the strain is considered "moderate" and it's a positive development he's back to throwing. It seems likely Thielbar will need a rehab assignment, but he could be back as an option for the Minnesota bullpen around the start of June.
May 7 2023Thielbar has been diagnosed with a moderate strain of his right oblique and won't throw for a week before being evaluated, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's an encouraging report, but he's still likely out several weeks since it will take him some time to ramp back up again after the layoff. Thielbar will be missed as a key lefty in the bullpen with a stellar 1.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 11 appearances.
May 5 2023Thielbar was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The severity of Thielbar's injury is unclear at the moment, so there's no telling if he will require more than a minimum stay on the IL. Either way, it's a tough blow to the Twins' bullpen as Thielbar currently holds a 1.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 11 appearances.
Apr 29 2023Thielbar threw a scoreless inning with a walk while striking out two in Friday's 8-6 win over the Royals. He earned his seventh hold. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar is off to a strong start to the season with a 2.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts in eight innings with two walks. He's working as the top lefty in the bullpen, but may not be in the mix for saves behind Jorge Lopez, Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.
Mar 30 2023Thielbar threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout in Thursday's win over Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar took over for starter Pablo Lopez in the sixth inning. Theilbar picked up where he left off last season when he posted a 12.1 K/9 and 15% swinging strike rate that was top 30 among qualified relievers. He'll reprise his role as Minnesota's top lefty reliever and will be used anywhere in the middle to late innings.
Jan 13 2023Thielbar signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has been one of the most consistent pieces of the Twins' bullpen for the past three seasons, keeping his WHIP right around the 1.15 mark. The veteran southpaw will turn 36 at the end of the month, so it's worth questioning how much left he has in the tank. But for now, a 2.42 FIP keeps him in a nice position as one of Minnesota's top relievers.
Aug 3 2022Thielbar (hamstring) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar made a relief appearance at Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday and struck out one in a perfect inning. He'll rejoin the Twins' bullpen after Joe Smith was designated for assignment Wednesday.
Jul 31 2022Thielbar (hamstring) struck out a batter over a perfect inning of relief in his rehab appearance Sunday for Triple-A St. Paul. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar needed just seven pitches to retire the side in his first appearance since landing on the injured list July 23 with a left hamstring strain. He'll could make one more appearance in the minors but should be ready to return from the IL when first eligible Thursday.
Jul 23 2022Thielbar was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain Saturday, retroactive to July 19, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was effective prior to the All-Star break, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six in 4.1 scoreless innings over his last four appearances. However, he's dealing with a hamstring issue that will keep him out until at least early August. Yennier Cano was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to take Thielbar's place in the bullpen.
Jun 23 2022Thielbar earned a save over the Guardians on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Team saves leader Emilio Pagan wasn't used after throwing 41 pitches and allowing five runs over two innings during the previous two days, and Jhoan Duran -- who has four saves on the campaign -- was deployed against the top of Cleveland's order in the eighth frame. Minnesota thus turned to the southpaw Thielbar to face lefty Andres Gimenez with one out in the ninth, and the latter knocked a two-strike double to move into scoring position. Thielbar was able to bounce back, however, retiring the next two batters to pick up the first save of his big-league career. Despite striking out 33 batters over 25.1 innings this season, Thielbar's 6.04 ERA and 1.42 WHIP make it unlikely that he'll see many more ninth-inning chances moving forward.
Jun 6 2022Thielbar was reinstated from the restricted list Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar missed last weekend's three-game series in Toronto since he is unvaccinated for COVID-19 and was unable to enter Canada. He should be available out of the bullpen Tuesday against the Yankees.
Jun 3 2022Thielbar (not injury related) was placed on the restricted list Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar won't be able to join the team for the three-game series in Toronto this weekend since he is apparently unvaccinated. The left-hander should rejoin the active roster ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Yankees.
May 9 2022Thielbar threw a scoreless inning in Sunday's win over Oakland to earn his second hold. He lowered his ERA to 9.00 (10 ER in 10 IP). ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a rough start to the season, Thielbar has given up one run in his last 4.2 innings with an 11:1 K:BB ratio. He's being counted on as an impact reliever, especially against left-handed batters (.606 OPS allowed to lefties last season).
Apr 17 2022Thielbar gave up four runs on four hits while retiring just one batter in Sunday's loss at Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has had a slow start to the season by giving up seven earned runs while getting just one out in his last two games. He's given up seven runs in 2.2 innings for an ugly 23.63 ERA. Thielbar improved his strikeout rate to 10.8 K/9 and reduced his walks to 2.8 BB/9 last season, but he has no strikeouts and four walks this season. It's still early in the year, but it's a worrisome start for a pitcher who is being counted on as an impact reliever, especially against left-handed batters (.606 OPS allowed to lefties last season).
Nov 30 2021Thielbar agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Twins on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar delivered a 2.25 ERA during the shortened campaign in 2020, and he followed up with a 3.23 ERA and 13 holds last season. The 34-year-old should open 2022 with a secure role in Minnesota's bullpen.
Aug 28 2021Thielbar (6-0) allowed one hit and struck out three over two shutout innings, picking up the win in Saturday's 6-4 victory over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar inherited a two-on, none-out situation Saturday night, but limited the damage to just one unearned run to record his sixth win of the season. The three strikeouts are the most the local Minnesotan has recorded in a single outing since July 5.
Aug 11 2021Thielbar (4-0) walked one and struck out one without allowing a hit or a run in 1.1 innings, earning the win Wednesday over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar continued the good work of starter Bailey Ober, and the former was rewarded when Jorge Polanco hit a solo home run for the only scoring play in the contest. Since the start of July, Thielbar has allowed eight runs in 13 innings, although all of those runs have come in just three of his 13 appearances. He's logged a 3.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 55:15 K:BB while adding seven holds across 43.1 innings this season.
Jun 20 2021Thielbar (2-0) earned the win Saturday against the Rangers after tossing a scoreless inning, striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar worked the sixth inning and was flawless, tossing eight of his 12 pitches for strikes en route to a scoreless frame and his second win of the campaign. The left-hander ended a streak of two straight outings during which he surrendered a run. He still owns a decent 4.13 ERA through 22 appearances (24 outings) but has fallen back in comparison to the 2.25 ERA he posted last season.
Jun 17 2021Thielbar (1-0) earned the win in relief Wednesday against the Mariners after allowing one run on two hits and four strikeouts across two innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar allowed Seattle's first run of the game on an RBI single from Shed Long, but he was solid the rest of the way and earned the win in his return from a nearly two-week stint on the injured list. The southpaw now owns a 4.30 ERA across 23 innings in 21 appearances this season.
Jun 16 2021Thielbar (groin) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar had been on the injured list since June 3 due to a left groin strain, but he'll return after an absence of just under two weeks. The southpaw posted a 4.29 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with five holds in 21 innings across 20 relief appearances earlier in the year, and he'll likely reclaim his setup role going forward.
Jun 3 2021The Twins will place Thielbar (groin) on the 10-day injured list prior to Thursday's game against the Royals, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Minnesota will call up Shaun Anderson to fill the opening on the 26-man active roster and in the bullpen after Thielbar suffered a strained left groin during his relief appearance Wednesday in Baltimore. Thielbar has been a key part of the bridge to closers Hansel Robles and Taylor Rogers this season, accruing a 4.29 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 31 strikeouts and five holds over 20 appearances.
Jun 2 2021Thielbar left Wednesday's game against the Orioles in the seventh inning with a strained groin, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Rocco Baldelli said the team will decide within a day whether they'll place Thielbar on the injured list. Regardless, the lefty will require some time off to recover from the injury, putting further strain on what's been an overworked bullpen of late amidst multiple injuries in the Twins' starting rotation.
Apr 24 2021Thielbar was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar came into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 early in the week and had been on the injured list since Tuesday. However, he'll be available out of the Twins' bullpen going forward. Luke Farrell was sent back to the alternate training site in a corresponding move.
Apr 20 2021Thielbar was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is out for coming into close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Thielbar had racked up 15 strikeouts in seven innings but had also allowed three home runs over that span. Luke Farrell's contract was selected in a corresponding move.
Mar 29 2021Thielbar has won a spot on Minnesota's 26-man roster for Opening Day. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was limited early in spring training due to a sore back, but looks healthy for Opening Day. He had a 4.15 ERA and six strikeouts and two walks in 4.1 innings this spring. Thielbar's unique curveball (he didn't allow a hit the 94 times he threw it last season) and prowess against left-handed batters (.376 OPS allowed), could see him used in a high-leverage role in the bullpen.
Mar 15 2021Thielbar (back) will be available out of the bullpen for Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's received the green light to make his spring debut after being slowed earlier in camp by a strained back. The lefty reliever shouldn't need more than a handful of appearances this spring to erase any concerns about his availability for the start of the season, so he would still appear to be in good shape to break camp with the Twins.
Mar 11 2021Thielbar (back) has thrown several live sessions against hitters and could appear in a spring training game later this month, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar suffered a back strain early in training camp. It looks like he has a chance to be ready for Opening Day, but watch to see how he progresses. Thielbar's unique curveball (he didn't allow a hit the 94 times he threw it last season) and prowess against left-handed batters (.376 OPS allowed) could give him a high leverage role in the bullpen.
Mar 4 2021Thielbar could be out "a matter of days or potentially weeks" due to a back strain, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was hurt early in training camp. His status for Opening Day looks in doubt as a result. Thielbar's unique curve ball (he didn't allow a hit the 94 times he threw it last season) and prowess against left-handed batters (.376 OPS allowed) had him set for a regular role in the bullpen.
Dec 2 2020Thielbar signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Twins on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar was highly effective in his return to the majors in 2020, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB over 20 innings. By inking a new deal with the Twins on Wednesday, he'll avoid arbitration heading into his age-34 season. The southpaw will have to prove himself over a larger sample in 2021, but he impressed in Minnesota during the abbreviated 2020 campaign.
Aug 3 2020Thielbar's contract was selected by the Twins on Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old has thrown 98.2 career big-league innings, all with the Twins, though none of those have come since 2015. He owns a lifetime 2.74 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP at the highest level, though the fact that he hasn't been given any major-league opportunities in the last four years indicates that he's unlikely to fill anything other than a low-leverage role.
Jun 29 2020Thielbar was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thielbar has thrown all 98.2 of his major-league innings for the Twins, though none of those have come since 2015. He's since spent time in independent ball and in the minor-league systems of the Padres, Tigers and Braves. The lefty will likely spend most of his time with Minnesota's alternate training site unless the major league bullpen needs depth.
Jan 23 2018Thielbar signed a minor-league contract with Detroit on Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Thielbar last appeared in the majors with the Twins in 2015. The lefty reliever owns a 2.74 career ERA over 98.2 major-league innings. His 2016 and 2017 seasons were spent with the independent-league St. Paul Saints, where he threw 91 innings with a 2.18 ERA. The weak Tigers' pitching staff gives the 30-year-old southpaw at least an outside shot to break camp with the big-league team.
Nov 14 2016Thielbar's contract was purchased by the Marlins on Monday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Thielbar spent 2016 playing independent ball and performed quite well, piecing together a 2.39 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across 64 innings pitched in relief. The left-hander has a good amount of big league experience as a member of the Twins bullpen from 2013 to 2015 with some success, but his unimpressive strikeout abilities could limit his ceiling if he sticks with the team out of spring training.
Sep 3 2015Thielbar cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.Thielbar was claimed by the Padres after the Twins designated him for assignment earlier in the month, but now he's been DFA'd for a second time. He will return to the Triple-A club he was playing for, but will no longer be a member of the 40-man roster.
Aug 30 2015Thielbar was designated for assignment by the Padres on Sunday, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.Thielbar was claimed off waivers by the Padres just a month ago and spent all of his time at Triple-A El Paso where he actually pitched well, accruing an ERA of just 1.00 after 9.0 innings on eight outings. Nevertheless, Thielbar's uncertain future allows for Chris Rearick to rejoin the organization after being claimed off waivers Sunday in a related move.
Jul 31 2015Thielbar has been designated for assignment, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.The move comes in response to the team needing to clear a spot on the 40-man for Kevin Jepsen, who came over in a trade Friday. Thielbar struggled in the majors this year (5.40 ERA) but has a 2.81 ERA and just a 19:18 K:BB ratio in 32 innings at Triple-A. He'll likely go unclaimed by another team and remain with Triple-A Rochester.
May 1 2015Thielbar was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after Friday's game versus the White Sox, Tyler Mason of FOX Sports North reports.Because Brian Duensing (oblique) was activated from the disabled list, the left-handed Thielbar wasn't needed in the Twins' bullpen any longer. In his six appearances for the team, Thielbar allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings.
Apr 17 2015Thielbar was recalled from Triple-A Rochester, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Thielbar had thrown 2.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Rochester. Thielbar could be the primary lefty setup man with Brian Duensing on the DL. Thielbar's lack of fastball velocity (88.8 mph) and mediocre strikeout rate (6.6 K/9 last year) limits his upside, however.
Mar 22 2015Thielbar has given up three runs in five innings this spring and isn't a lock to make the major league bullpen, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.He does have a 5:1 K:BB ratio in five innings this spring. It's surprising he's on the roster bubble since he was in the majors all last season and effective (3.40 ERA). Thielbar is battling Aaron Thompson, A.J. Achter, J.R. Graham, Mark Hamburger and Stephen Pryor for one of the final two spots in the bullpen.
Sep 12 2014Thielbar gave up a run in two-thirds of an inning in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader sweep to the Indians to increase his ERA to 3.45.Thielbar has seen his strikeout rate decline to 6.5 strikeouts per nine innings from 7.6 last season, but he's largely had the same season despite an increase in his ERA to 3.45 from 1.76. He's given up more hits, however, as a he's seen a sharp increase to a .312 BABIP from a .181 BABIP last season.
May 19 2014Thielbar gave up a run in 1.2 innings Sunday and his ERA has risen to 4.50 after giving up four runs in his last three innings.Thielbar has a 3:1 K:BB ratio over that stretch, so it's likely just a short-term slump. He's still one of the main setup options ahead of closer Glen Perkins.
Apr 4 2014Thielbar gave up one run on a home run in Thursday's win over the White Sox, but was awarded the win to move to 1-0 on the season.Thielbar began last season in the majors with 20 scoreless innings and finished the season with an impressive 1.76 ERA and 39:14 K:BB in 46 innings. He'll part of the team's setup mix ahead of Glen Perkins, but does not have great fastball velocity (89.8 mph) and had an unsustainable .181 BABIP last year.
Jul 21 2013Thielbar (groin) threw a scoreless inning in Sunday's loss against Cleveland.He had been out since the All-Star break with a sore groin muscle, but the injury doesn't sound serious.
Jul 20 2013Thielbar (groin) will not be available out of the Twins' bullpen for the next few days, FOX Sports North reports.Thielbar is enduring a tweaked groin at the moment, which held him out of Friday's game against the Indians. The Twins are likely hoping that rest and relaxation will heal what ails him, but if a stay on the DL is required, his stint would be retroactive to July 15. No matter, consider him day-to-day for the time being.
Jul 20 2013Thielbar was unavailable to pitch Friday night due to a groin injury, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.The Twins did not provide any additional details regarding Thielbar's availability for Game 2 of the team's first post-break series, so consider him day-to-day for now.
Jul 13 2013Thielbar was activated from the bereavement list following Saturday's win at the Yankees, MLB.com reports.Thielbar left the Twins on Thursday due to a death in the family. However, his nearly flawless left arm, at least this season, will be active out of the bullpen Sunday. On the year, he has surrendered one run with a 20:8 K:BB ratio across 21 frames.
Jul 13 2013Thielbar (personal) has rejoined the Twins and hopes to be activated for Sunday's series finale at the Yankees, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Thielbar landed on the bereavement list Thursday due to a death in the family, and after paying condolences, he'll soon be available out of the Twins' pen. Since he was called up on May 20, he has been lights out, allowing just a single run with a 20:8 K:BB ratio in 21 innings.
Jul 9 2013Thielbar will go on the bereavement list Thursday following a death in the family, the Associated Press reports.Though the announcement came Tuesday, Thielbar will officially go on the list on Thursday and will rejoin the team over the weekend. He'll be eligible to pitch on Sunday against the Yankees. Thielbar had his 20-inning scoreless streak snapped Monday but still boasts a 0.45 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in 20 innings this season. Michael Tonkin will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to take his spot.
Jul 8 2013Thielbar ended a streak of 20 scoreless innings by giving up a home run to Ben Zobrist in his one-third of an inning of work in Monday's loss at Tampa Bay.Thielbar had 17 scoreless appearances since his debut and had also not allowed a hit in 31 at-bats. His 18:7 K:BB ratio in 20 innings suggests he can sustain his early success despite Monday's setback.
Jul 4 2013Thielbar threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts to extend his scoreless streak to 18.2 innings to begin his major league career.Thielbar has increased his strikeouts his last two outings and now has an impressive 17:7 K:BB ratio as well.
Jun 2 2013Thielbar threw a scoreless ninth inning to record his first career win in Saturday's victory over the Mariners. He's thrown 7.3 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and two walks since he was called up from Triple-A.Even though it's a small sample size, Thielbar has been impressive and could see more high-leverage opportunities out of the bullpen.
May 20 2013Thielbar was called up from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.Thielbar will add an effective left-handed arm to the Twins' bullpen, after going 1-1 with one save, a 3.76 ERA, 1.341 WHIP, and 34:8 K:BB ratio in 26.1 innings (17 appearances) at Rochester this season.