Twins pitching staff set for opening day?

And just like that, at least one half of the roster is set for opening day. The Minnesota Twins have optioned Caleb Thielbar to Triple-A. This was the final decision to be made for the pitching staff.

Twins Opening Day pitching staff

Rotation

• Phil Hughes
• Ervin Santana
• Ricky Nolasco
• Kyle Gibson
• Tommy Milone

Bullpen

• Glen Perkins
• Casey Fien
• Brian Duensing
• Tim Stauffer
• Blaine Boyer
• J.R. Graham
• Mike Pelfrey

Thielbar had a rough spring, posting solid strikeout and walk ratios but giving up a whopping 19 hits in 11 innings. With two left-handers already in the bullpen it still seemed like he had a good opportunity to make the opening day roster until the Twins added Boyer to the 40-man roster.

In parts of two seasons of relief for Minnesota, Thielbar owns a 2.59 ERA (3.48 FIP) in 103 appearances. He'll be one of three or four relievers who would deserve an early call up if injury or performance dictate a change in the bullpen.

Now we just need to confirm what's happening at the bottom of the position player part of the equation.