Cubs Activate Caleb Thielbar, DFA Ty Blach

The bullpen revolving door has been spinning furiously for a while now, but at least this revolution brings back one of the guys who was expected to contribute a lot of important innings. Caleb Thielbar has missed over three weeks with a left hamstring strain, and his absence has been all too evident. Now he’s back, with lefty Ty Blach being designated for assignment to make room.

The Chicago Cubs today reinstated left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day injured list. In a corresponding move, left-handed pitcher Ty Blach was designated for assignment.

Thielbar, 39, was originally placed on the injured list on April 24 with a left hamstring strain. He is 2-2 with two saves, a 3.12 ERA (3 ER/8.2 IP), 11 strikeouts, five walks, and a .182 opponent batting average in 11 relief appearances with the Cubs this season. At the time of his placement, Thielbar led Cubs relievers in strikeouts per 9.0 innings (11.42). He made one rehab appearance with Single-A South Bend and threw 1.0 scoreless inning, surrendering one hit and one walk with two strikeouts.

The Northfield, Minn., native is in his second season with the Cubs (78 G, 5-6, 2.70 ERA, 20 ER, 66.2 IP, 67 SO). He has made 425 career major league appearances, all in relief, and posted a 28-18 record with seven saves, a 3.26 ERA (140 ER/386.2 IP), 414 strikeouts, compared to 125 walks, and a 1.14 WHIP with Minnesota (2013-15, 2020-24) and Chicago (2025-26).

Blach, 35, was selected ahead of Sunday’s game at the White Sox. He pitched 3.0 scoreless innings last night, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts.

The Cubs play the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at 6:40 p.m. at Wrigley Field in a game that can be seen on Marquee and heard on 104.3 the Score and, in Spanish, on TUDN 106.7.