Thielbar split the 2010 campaign between Helena and the Single–A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. In 39 appearances out of the bullpen for the two affiliates, he compiled an 0–2 record and 5.19 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 3 saves across 67+2⁄3 innings of work.[3] Thielbar was released by the Brewers organization on December 13, 2010.
On August 19, 2011, Thielbar signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins organization.[5] He made three scoreless appearances for the High–A Fort Myers Miracle down the stretch. Thielbar split the 2012 campaign between Fort Myers, the Double–A New Britain Rock Cats, and Triple–A Rochester Red Wings, accumulating a 6–2 record and 2.43 ERA with 74 strikeouts and 6 saves across 48 appearances. On November 20, 2012, the Twins added Thielbar to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[6]
On May 20, 2013, Twins promoted Thielbar to the major leagues for the first time.[7] He made his MLB debut that day, pitching two innings, and became the first South Dakota State baseball player to reach MLB.[8] He remained in the Twins bullpen for the remainder of the season, appearing in 49 games and pitching 46 innings with a 1.76 ERA and 0.826 WHIP.[9]
Thielbar pitching for the Twins in 2014
Thielbar began the 2014 season in the Twins bullpen, making 54 appearances in which he pitched 47+2⁄3 and pitching to a 3.40 ERA.[9] In 2015, he pitched five innings for the team. On July 31, 2015, he was designated for assignment after appearing in just 6 games.[10]
San Diego Padres
On August 8, 2015, San Diego Padres claimed Thielbar off waivers from the Twins.[11] The Padres assigned him to their Triple A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, for whom he pitched 12.1 innings, giving up only one earned run.[9] He was designated for assignment on August 30.[12]
On November 17, 2016, Thielbar signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[14] He was released prior to the start of the season on March 31, 2017. On May 27, Thielbar signed with St. Paul for the rest of the 2017 season. He was 2-1 with one save and a 2.01 ERA in 22+1⁄3 innings in which he struck out 23 batters.[9]
Detroit Tigers
On January 23, 2018, Thielbar signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers. He split the season between the Double–A Erie SeaWolves and the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens, and was a combined 7-1 with a 2.05 ERA in 57 innings.[9][15]
On October 30, 2018, Thielbar re–signed with Detroit on a minor league contract. He was assigned to Triple–A Toledo for the 2019 season, for whom he was 2-1 with four saves and a 3.30 ERA, as in 76+1⁄3 innings he struck out 92 batters.[9]
Atlanta Braves
On August 30, 2019, Thielbar was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. He pitched two scoreless innings and had one save for the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers.[9] He elected free agency following the season on November 4.[16]
On December 13, 2019, Thielbar signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. On August 3, 2020, the Twins selected Thielbar to the active roster. On August 4, he made his first appearance of the season and first in the majors in a little over five years.[19] He finished the season with a 2.25 ERA in 17 games.
Thielbar signed a one year, $650,000 contract for the 2021 season.[20]
On January 13, 2023, Thielbar agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Twins, avoiding salary arbitration.[21]
Chicago Cubs
On December 31, 2024, Thielbar signed a one-year, major league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[22]
Personal life
Thielbar and his wife Carissa have one son together.[23]
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