Caleb

Thielbar

It was a remarkable bounce-back performance from Boyd, who managed to work into the fifth inning of a do-or-die affair for the Cubs after allowing just two runs in the opening contest of the best-of-five series. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw struck out six and allowed just two hits and three walks in this one as he and four relievers — Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller and Caleb Thielbar — combined on a three-hit shutout at Wrigley Field to keep Chicago’s postseason hopes alive.

Thielbar was away from the Cubs for three days. He has a 3.29 ERA in 13 2/3 innings of relief work this season.

The 38-year-old right-hander and his wife welcomed a new addition to their family on Friday, so he’ll be away from the club for at least a couple of days. Tom Cosgrove was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take his place in the team’s bullpen.

The Cubs took a one-run lead in the top of the tenth after Ryan Pressly tossed a scoreless ninth inning. Thielbar got the call to close it out in the tenth. He struck out the first batter and intentionally walked Fernando Tatis Jr. before recording the final out on a fly ball and securing the win for Chicago.

No word yet as to the financial terms, but it’s not likely to be a (relatively) significant salary. Thielbar was mostly ineffective in 2024 with a 5.32 ERA and 1.56 WHIP, but he’s had success in the past, and will be a middle-innings option for the Cubs in 2025.

The Twins used Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning — he struck out two in a scoreless inning to keep his ERA at 0.00 — and Thielbar was able to pick up a pair of punchouts himself while procuring the third save of the season. His 6.14 ERA isn’t indicative of how well he’s pitched in 2024.

Thielbar got the call to guard a one-run lead in the final frame once Minnesota took the lead after Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax worked a pair of scoreless frames in a tie ballgame.

Thielbar was tasked with getting the final out after Matt Bowman was unable to get through the inning. Thielbar was able to get that final out, and it gives him a save despite throwing only seven pitches. It seems very unlikely that Thielbar will get many more save chances in the Minnesota bullpen.

Thielbar missed the start of the year while dealing with a hamstring injury. The left-hander will be a multi-inning option out of the bullpen now that he’s back with the club. Jorge Alcala was optioned back to Triple-A in the corresponding transaction.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters he doesn’t anticipate Thielbar needing more than a handful of rehab appearances before returning to Minnesota’s bullpen mix. The 37-year-old lefty has been on the shelf since spring training recovering from a left hamstring strain.