Chicago White Sox Ely was drafted by the
Chicago White Sox in the third round of the
2007 MLB draft. He began his professional career with the
Great Falls White Sox in the
Pioneer League. He appeared in 13 games for Great Falls, compiling a 6–1 record and a 3.86 ERA, and striking out 56 batters in 56 innings pitched. In 2008, he played with the
Winston-Salem Warthogs in the
Carolina League, appearing in 27 games, compiling a 10–12 record, 4.71 ERA, and 134 strikeouts in innings pitched. In his third start, on May 11, 2010, Ely was credited with his first win, allowing two runs, six hits and no walks and striking out six in six innings against the
Arizona Diamondbacks. Ely was credited with his second win a week later against the
Houston Astros. Ely threw seven innings, allowing five hits and only two runs. He struck out eight and walked no batters. Ely was the first Dodger to do so since
Sandy Koufax. After winning his third straight decision against the
Detroit Tigers on May 22, 2010, Dodgers Manager
Joe Torre said, "He's certainly, as
Yogi would say, making himself necessary." After winning three of his first four decisions, Ely struggled the rest of the way losing nine of his last ten decisions. He finished the season with a record of 4–10 and an ERA of 5.49. He also developed command problems, walking 14 in his last three starts after walking just four in his first five starts. He made one start for the Dodgers on April 10, 2011 against the
San Diego Padres, filling in for the injured
Jon Garland and appeared in four other games out of the bullpen. Most of his season was spent with the AAA
Albuquerque Isotopes, where he made 25 starts and finished 7–8 with a 5.99 ERA. His best start of the season was when he came within one out of throwing a no-hitter in a 7 inning game against the
Iowa Cubs on April 20. On November 18, 2011 he was outrighted to the minors and removed from the 40-man roster. In 2012 with Albuquerque he was 14–7 with a 3.20 ERA in 27 games and was selected to the
Pacific Coast League mid-season All-Star team and the post-season All-PCL team. He was also named the
PCL Pitcher of the Year after leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts (165). On September 1, the Dodgers purchased his contract from the Isotopes and called him back up to the majors. On September 27, the Dodgers selected Ely as the team's "Minor League Pitcher of the Year." He only appeared in two games for the Dodgers, taking the loss in two extra inning games, with an ERA of 20.25.
Houston Astros Ely was traded to the
Houston Astros on December 19, 2012 for
Rob Rasmussen. Assigned to the
Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League, Ely suffered an injury after one appearance, requiring
Tommy John surgery. He was released on November 19, 2013.
Boston Red Sox On December 13, 2013, the
Boston Red Sox signed Ely to a minor league deal, that included a spring training invitation.
Milwaukee Brewers Ely signed a minor league contract with the
Milwaukee Brewers on November 19, 2014. He was released on July 23, 2015.
Sioux City Explorers Ely signed with the
Sioux City Explorers of the
American Association of Independent Professional Baseball following his release. He became a free agent after the season. ==Coaching career==