ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Former South Dakota State University pitcher Caleb Thielbar was recently promoted by the Minnesota Twins to their Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings, putting the left-hander one step away from the majors.

Thielbar began the 2012 season in A-ball with Fort Myers of the Florida State League, where was turned in a 1-1 record despite not allowing an earned run in seven appearances, covering 12.1 innings. He then made 16 relief appearances at Double-A New Britain (Conn.), compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.80 ERA in 25 innings. In a combined 37.1 innings this season, Thielbar has struck out 42 batters and walked only five.

A native of Randolph, Minn., Thielbar was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. He spent two seasons in the Brewers organization before signing with the Twins late in the 2011 campaign after a brief stint with the St. Paul Saints of the independent American Association.

In four seasons (2006-09) at SDSU, Thielbar posted a 20-19 career record while setting the Jackrabbit career record with 274 innings pitched in 64 appearances - 44 starts. He also ranks second in career strikeouts with 196 and shares the team single-season record with 100 strikeouts, set during his senior campaign.