Cubs reinstate left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar, designate Ty Blach for assignment

By: Matt Carlson, The Associated Press Posted: 5:39 PM CDT Tuesday, May. 19, 2026 Last Modified: 10:30 PM CDT Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs reinstated left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day injured list before Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, giving their depleted bullpen a boost.

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs reinstated left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day injured list before Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, giving their depleted bullpen a boost.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated lefty Ty Blach for assignment.

The 39-year-old Thielbar was sidelined since April 23 with a left hamstring strain. He pitched a scoreless seventh inning against the Brewers, allowing one hit. In 9 2/3 innings over 12 games this season, he’s 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA with two saves.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Caleb Thielbar (24) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

“I think any time we get one of our core guys back, that’s a good day,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said before the game. “We feel like he’s in a good spot and ready to go.”

In his 10th major league season, Thielbar is 28-18 with a 3.26 ERA over 425 games. He’s in his second season with Chicago after eight with Minnesota.

The Cubs had called up the 35-year-old Blach from Triple-A Iowa before their 9-8 loss to the White Sox on Sunday. The journeyman pitched three scoreless innings on Monday in a 9-3 loss to Milwaukee for his only work in the majors this season.

The Cubs’ bullpen and rotation have been hit hard by injuries this season. Opening day starter Matthew Boyd remains sidelined after left meniscus surgery. Right-handed starter Cade Horton is out for the season because of elbow surgery, and Justin Steele has an uncertain timeline after he had a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury.

Tuesday’s loss to the surging Brewers was the Cubs’ fourth straight, eighth in their last 10, and allowed Milwaukee to jump over them into first place in the NL Central. Chicago’s slide follows a 20-3 run that included two 10-game win streaks.