Red Sox sign John Ely, re-sign Celestino; Kalish to Cubs

The Red Sox announced today that they have signed right-handed pitchers John Ely and Miguel Celestino to minor league contracts. The team also made official the previously reported minor league deal with infielder Brandon Snyder. Outfielder Ryan Kalish, non-tendered last week, has agreed with the Chicago Cubs to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Ely, 27, joins his fourth organization. Originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 2007 draft, he rose quickly through the minors, excelling at Double-A Birmingham in 2009 with a 14-2 record, 2.82 ERA, and 1.215 WHIP. After that breakout season, Ely was traded to Los Angeles as part of deal for outfielder Juan Pierre in December 2009. He made his major league debut the following season, and pitched in 25 games, including 19 starts, for the Dodgers between 2010 and 2012.

Traded to the Astros following the 2012 season, Ely injured his elbow in his 2013 debut at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The injury necessitated Tommy John surgery, and he missed the rest of the season. Given the usual 12-to-18 month recovery for the procedure, Ely is questionable for opening day, but when he returns he is likely to provide depth for the Pawtucket rotation.

Celestino possesses a live arm that has yet to translate into results. Acquired in 2009 from Seattle along with Billy Hall in exchange for Casey Kotchman, the 24-year-old out of the the Dominican Republic possesses a fastball that touches 98 but with little command or control. The six-foot-six righty struggled with Double-A Portland in 2013, posting a 6.20 ERA in 72 innings across 39 appearances. He struck out 70 but walked 36 and allowed 10 home runs.

The 25-year-old Kalish departs after 513 games in the Red Sox organization. A seemingly endless parade of shoulder, back, and neck injuries have derailed the outfielder once rated the top overall prospect in the system. He is reunited in Chicago with Theo Epstein, who made the outfielder the Red Sox ninth-round pick in the 2006 draft.

Update: Per Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the Ely, Celestino, and Snyder contracts include an invitation to major league spring training.

Photo Credit: John Ely from milb.com

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