Jake Elmore

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Jake Elmore

| image = Jake Elmore on August 31, 2015.jpg

| image_size = 250

| caption = Elmore with the Durham Bulls

| team =

| number =

| position = Infielder

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|6|15}}

| birth_place = Pleasant Grove, Alabama, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = August 11

| debutyear = 2012

| debutteam = Arizona Diamondbacks

| finalleague= MLB

| finaldate=September 29

| finalyear=2019

| finalteam=Pittsburgh Pirates

| statleague = MLB

| statyear =

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .215

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 4

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 37

| teams =

Arizona Diamondbacks ({{mlby|2012}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2013}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2014}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2015}})
Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2016}})
Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2019}})

}}

Jacob David Elmore (born June 15, 1987) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. While most often a shortstop, Elmore is one of a handful of MLB players who have played pitcher and catcher in the same game. Elmore was also the 14th player in MLB history to play all nine positions throughout a season with the Houston Astros (2013).

Early life

Elmore grew up in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham, and played baseball at Pleasant Grove High School. He attended Wallace State Community College in 2006 and 2007, where he played as a second baseman.{{cite web|last=Shields |first=Brandon |url=http://www.cullmantimes.com/localsports/x1116126969/Lions-looking-to-defend-ACCC-crown |title=Lions looking to defend ACCC crown » Top Sports » CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama |publisher=CullmanTimes.com |date=February 7, 2007 |access-date=March 26, 2014}} Elmore transferred to Arizona State University, where he continued his college baseball career with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Professional career

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

Elmore was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 34th round, 1038th overall, of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. After signing, Elmore made his professional debut with the rookie-level Missoula Osprey, slashing .296/.390/.464. In 2009, Elmore played for the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks, posting a .258/.365/.351 slash line with 3 home runs and 38 RBI. The next year, he played for the Double-A Mobile BayBears, logging a .278/.374/.345 slash line with 2 home runs and 31 RBI. Elmore returned to Mobile for the 2011 season, playing in 121 games and batting .270/.362/.349 with 3 home runs and 41 RBI. In 2012, Elmore began the year with the Triple-A Reno Aces, hitting .344/.442/.465 with 1 home run and a career-high 73 RBI.{{cite web| url = https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=elmore001jac| title = Jake Elmore Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com}}

Elmore was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the majors for the first time on August 11, 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/diamondbacks-recall-p-shaw-and-select-inf-elmore/ |title=Diamondbacks recall P Shaw and select INF Elmore |publisher=Foxnews.com |date=August 11, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223150535/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/08/11/diamondbacks-recall-p-shaw-and-select-inf-elmore/e |archive-date=February 23, 2014 }} On August 16, 2012, he recorded his first career hit, and finished the game 2-for-4 with a double. Elmore finished his rookie season with a .191 batting average with 0 home runs, 7 runs batted in 30 games.

=Houston Astros=

File:Jake Elmore June 2013.jpg in 2013.]]

On November 1, 2012, Elmore was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Brian T.|title=Astros claim Demel, Elmore off waivers from D-Backs|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-claim-Demel-Elmore-off-waivers-from-4002171.php|access-date=August 23, 2014|publisher=Houston Chronicle|date=November 1, 2012}} He began the 2013 season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Pacific Coast League. He was recalled by the Astros on June 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=426281|title=Astros Recall Wallace and Elmore From Triple-A Oklahoma City|work=The Canadian Press|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2013}}

On August 19, 2013, Elmore became the 14th player in MLB history to catch and pitch in the same game.{{cite news|last1=Tesfatsion|first1=Master|title=Elmore 14th in MLB history to catch, pitch|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130820&content_id=57570996&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=August 20, 2013}} After replacing Carlos Corporan as the catcher in the fourth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers, Elmore was again called upon in the eighth inning, but this time to pitch. He retired the Rangers in order on 11 pitches. Commenting on the feat, manager Bo Porter said, "Elmore should probably be in the icetub, icing every part of his body."

=Chicago White Sox=

On November 20, 2013, Elmore was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.{{cite news|title=White Sox claim Jake Elmore off waivers from Houston; Add Carlos Sanchez and outfielder Trayce Thompson to 40-man roster|url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131120&content_id=64069516&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013158/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131120&content_id=64069516&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2013|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=November 20, 2013}} The White Sox designated Elmore for assignment on February 26, 2014.{{cite news|title=White Sox claim RHP Cleto off waivers from Royals|url=https://apnews.com/8deb6bd9ceaf429785be010e48f24294|access-date=August 23, 2014|publisher=Associated Press|date=February 26, 2014}}

=Oakland Athletics=

Elmore was traded to the Oakland Athletics on February 27, 2014.{{cite news|last=Slusser|first=Susan|author-link=Susan Slusser|title=A's add Jake Elmore, designate Andy Parrino for assignment|url=http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2014/02/27/as-add-jake-elmore-designate-andy-parrino-for-assignment/|access-date=August 23, 2014|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=February 27, 2014}} Elmore was then optioned to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats and spent the first two and a half months of the 2014 season on the DL due to a strained left quadriceps.{{cite news|last1=Fordin|first1=Spencer|title=A's place Elmore on DL with quadriceps strain|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/oak/as-place-shortstop-jake-elmore-on-disabled-list-with-quadriceps-strain?ymd=20140403&content_id=70822812&vkey=news_oak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826160825/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/oak/as-place-shortstop-jake-elmore-on-disabled-list-with-quadriceps-strain?ymd=20140403&content_id=70822812&vkey=news_oak|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 26, 2014|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=April 3, 2014}}{{cite news|title=A's reinstate IF Jake Elmore from the DL and option him to Sacramento|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140616&content_id=80088762&vkey=pr_oak&c_id=oak|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=June 16, 2014}} Oakland designated Elmore for assignment on July 31, 2014.{{cite news|title=A's Option Billy Burns to Sacramento; Designate Jake Elmore for Assignment|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140731&content_id=87237600&vkey=pr_oak&c_id=oak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054949/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140731&content_id=87237600&vkey=pr_oak&c_id=oak|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=July 31, 2014}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On August 2, 2014, Elmore was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, and sent to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.{{cite news|last1=Sheldon|first1=Mark|title=Reds claim Elmore off waivers, send him to Triple-A|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140802&content_id=87639108¬ebook_id=87639730&vkey=notebook_cin&c_id=cin|access-date=August 23, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=August 2, 2014}} On November 5, 2014, the Reds re-signed Elmore after outrighting him to Louisville on November 3.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On November 7, 2014, Elmore was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Reds.{{cite news|last1=Singer|first1=Tom|title=Bucs beef up bench options with Elmore claim|url=http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/100831642/pirates-claim-infielder-jake-elmore-off-waivers-from-reds|access-date=February 21, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110121652/http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/100831642/pirates-claim-infielder-jake-elmore-off-waivers-from-reds|archive-date=November 10, 2014|url-status=dead}} The Pirates designated him for assignment on January 20, 2015.{{cite news|title=MLB notebook: Colby Rasmus signs $8 million deal with Astros|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/01/20/mlb-notebook-colby-rasmus-signs-8-million-deal-with-astros|access-date=February 21, 2015|work=Edmonton Sun|date=January 20, 2015}} He declined his outright assignment, became a free agent, and subsequently signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays on February 9, 2015.{{cite news|last1=Berry|first1=Adam|title=Rays sign Elmore to Minor League deal|url=http://m.rays.mlb.com/news/article/108768044/tampa-bay-rays-sign-jake-elmore-to-minor-league-deal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213023225/http://m.rays.mlb.com/news/article/108768044/tampa-bay-rays-sign-jake-elmore-to-minor-league-deal|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2015|access-date=February 21, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=February 9, 2015}} Elmore was called up to the Rays on April 22 due to injuries.{{cite news|last1=Sanford|first1=Adam|title=Rays set roster for Joe Kelly, promote Jake Elmore|url=http://www.draysbay.com/2015/4/22/8466737/tampa-bay-rays-joe-kelly-ryan-brett-DL|access-date=April 22, 2015|publisher=SBNation.com|date=April 22, 2015}} He split the year between the Triple-A Durham Bulls and Tampa Bay, slashing .206/.263/.284 with 4 RBI in 51 major league games. On November 6, 2015, he was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/11/outrighted-ruggiano-heisey-wilson-perez-beliveau-elmore-perez-sadler-cumpton.html| title = Outrighted: Ruggiano, Heisey, Wilson, Perez, Beliveau, Elmore, Perez, Sadler, Cumpton - MLB Trade Rumors| date = November 6, 2015}}

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On December 14, 2015, Elmore signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers purchased his contract from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox on June 28, 2016, and Elmore made his first start for Milwaukee that day at second base.{{cite news|last1=Rosiak|first1=Todd|title=Brewers call up utilityman Jake Elmore, send out OF Alex Presley|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/384728991.html|access-date=June 29, 2016|publisher=Journal Sentinel|date=June 28, 2016}} He appeared in 59 games for the Brewers, mostly as a pinch hitter. After hitting .218/.371/.244 on the season, Milwaukee chose to outright Elmore to Triple-A on October 28, 2016. Elmore rejected the assignment and opted for free agency.{{cite news|last1=Powell|first1=Jonathan|title=Milwaukee Brewers outright four, Jake Elmore opts for free agency|url=http://www.outsidepitchmlb.com/brewers-outright-four-elmore-free-agency/55595|access-date=November 15, 2016|publisher=Outside Pitch Sports Network|date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116122956/http://www.outsidepitchmlb.com/brewers-outright-four-elmore-free-agency/55595|url-status=dead}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On February 9, 2017, Elmore signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/02/blue-jays-sign-jake-elmore-to-minor-league-deal.html|title=Blue Jays Sign Jake Elmore To Minor League Deal|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2017}} He was later assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. In 94 games with Buffalo, Elmore batted .231/.321/.273 with 1 home run and 36 RBI.

=Miami Marlins=

On August 14, 2017, Elmore was traded to the Miami Marlins organization, and assigned to the Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=117&sid=t422|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307002512/http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=117&sid=t422|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2012|title=International League Transactions|work=Minor League Baseball|page=August 2017|access-date=August 15, 2017}} In 16 games for New Orleans, Elmore went 14-for-52 with 5 RBI. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=April 28, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 7, 2017 |language=en}}

=Chicago White Sox (second stint)=

On February 8, 2018, Elmore signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.{{cite web| url = http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/roster/nri/| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424042247/http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/roster/nri| archive-date = April 24, 2016| title = Non-Roster Invitees}} He spent the season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, posting a .289/.397/.359 slash line with one home run and 27 RBI in 101 games. Elmore elected free agency following the season on November 2.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|access-date=May 20, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 6, 2018 |language=en}} Elmore re-signed with the White Sox on a new minor league deal on January 14, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/FutureSox/status/1084927039772258311|title=FutureSox on Twitter|publisher=}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

Elmore was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 28, 2019, and was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.{{cite web|url=https://www.piratesprospects.com/2019/03/pirates-acquire-jake-elmore-from-chicago-white-sox.html|title=Pirates Acquire Jake Elmore from Chicago White Sox|last=Dreker|first=John|work=piratesprospects.com|date=March 28, 2019|access-date=April 5, 2019}} His contract was selected by the Pirates on May 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/05/pirates-place-jung-ho-kang-on-il-select-jake-elmore.html|title=Pirates Place Jung Ho Kang On IL, Select Jake Elmore|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=MLB Trade Rumors|date=May 13, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2019}} After going 1-for-20 at the plate in just under two weeks with the Pirates, Elmore was designated for assignment on May 26.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/05/pirates-designate-jake-elmore-select-jacob-stallings.html|title=Pirates Designate Jake Elmore, Select Jacob Stallings, Place Francisco Cervelli On 7-Day IL|last=Byrne|first=Connor|work=MLB Trade Rumors|date=May 26, 2019|access-date=June 6, 2019}} He cleared waivers and was outrighted back to Triple-A three days later.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-jake-elmore-clears-waivers/|title=Pirates' Jake Elmore: Clears waivers|work=CBS Sports Fantasy|date=May 31, 2019|access-date=June 6, 2019}} On September 17, the Pirates selected Elmore's contract, adding him to their active roster. He hit .345 after being recalled. On October 25, Elmore was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Indianapolis.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Outright Three Players|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/pirates-outright-three-players.html|access-date=January 24, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=October 25, 2019 |language=en}} He elected free agency on October 31.

Elmore re-signed with the Pirates organization during the offseason but was released by the team on June 9, 2020, amid the cancellation of the minor league season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/charlie-tilson-jake-elmore-luis-escobar-among-pirates-minor-league-releases.html| title = Charlie Tilson, Jake Elmore, Luis Escobar Among Pirates' Minor League Releases - MLB Trade Rumors| date = June 10, 2020}}

=Cleveland Indians=

On July 3, 2020, Elmore signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians organization.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/indians-sign-david-hernandez.html| title = Indians Sign David Hernandez, Jake Elmore, Steven Baron - MLB Trade Rumors| date = July 3, 2020}} He spent time at the alternate training site that was set up because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indians released Elmore on September 4.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/indians-outright-domingo-santana-release-jake-elmore.html| title = Indians Outright Domingo Santana, Release Jake Elmore - MLB Trade Rumors| date = September 4, 2020}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On June 13, 2021, Elmore signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/minor-mlb-transactions-6-22-21.html| title = Minor MLB Transactions: 6/22/21 - MLB Trade Rumors| date = June 22, 2021}} Elmore appeared in 15 games for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, hitting .225 with no home runs and nine RBI. On August 24, Elmore was released by the Phillies.{{cite web| url = https://www.mcall.com/sports/ironpigs-phillies/mc-spt-ironpigs-railriders-game-box-tuesday-20210825-klpxqomwkbf5bnd75pb25frnvm-story.html| title = Jose Alvarado, Seranthony Dominguez make rehab appearances for IronPigs in Tuesday night's loss to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. - The Morning Call| date = August 25, 2021}}

Post-playing career

On February 22, 2022, Elmore was hired by the Philadelphia Phillies organization to serve as the hitting coach for the club's Low-A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers.{{Cite web | url=https://www.si.com/mlb/phillies/news/philadelphia-phillies-clearwater-thresher-hire-jake-elmore-hitting-coach-mlb-season-rumors | title=Clearwater Threshers Hire Jake Elmore as Hitting Coach | date=February 24, 2022 }}