Countdown to Spring Training: LHP Caleb Thielbar

Caleb Thiebar during a 2015 game with the Minnesota Twins.

The Tigers will open spring training Tuesday, which means baseball season is coming. Here is a daily look at players with possible ties to the 2018 Mud Hens, whose home opener is set for April 12 vs. Pawtucket.

LHP Caleb Thielbar

■ History: The Tigers signed Thielbar to a minor-league contract after he pitched for St. Paul in the independent American Association the past two seasons. In 2016, he was 5-2 with a 2.39 ERA in 42 games with the Saints. He was 2-1 with a 2.01 ERA in 17 games for St. Paul in 2017. Thielbar made his major-league debut with Minnesota in 2013, posting a 3-2 record with a 1.76 ERA in 49 games. He was 2-1 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 appearances with the Twins in 2014, but in 2015 Thielbar had a 5.40 ERA in six games with Minnesota.

■ Future: Thielbar, who turned 31 on Jan. 31, has a history of success against left-handers, especially in three seasons he pitched with Triple-A Rochester (2012-13, 2015). He was not invited to spring training with Detroit, meaning he probably will begin this season in the Hens bullpen.

Click here for a full list of Mud Hens spring training bios.

Contact John Wagner at jwagner@theblade.com, 419-724-6481, or on Twitter @jwagnerblade.