Astros claim Sam Demel, Jake Elmore off waivers from Diamondbacks

The Houston Astros made two of the first moves of their offseason Thursday, claiming pitcher Sam Demel and middle infielder Jake Elmore off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The moves came on the same day that center fielder Jordan Schafer was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.

Sam Demel is a 26 year old righthander. He spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the Diamondbacks, throwing 62 2/3 innings in 71 relief appearances with a 4.88 ERA. He made just one appearance for the big league club in 2012, a one-inning relief stint on August 21 against Miami. Demel spent the rest of his season with the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League, throwing 66 1/3 innings with a 4.07 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He was picked in the third round of the 2007 Draft by the Oakland Athletics after playing collegiate baseball at Texas Christian.

Jake Elmore was called up to the Diamondbacks on August 11 and made 30 appearances down the stretch for Arizona. Elmore hit .191 with a .247 on-base percentage, no home runs and seven RBI in 73 plate appearances. He made 14 starts at shortstop for the Diamondbacks, with an additional five appearances at second base. The 25-year old Elmore is a graduate of Arizona State and former 34th round selection.