Astros claim Ryan Jackson, remove three from 40-man roster

The Astros claimed infielder Ryan Jackson off waivers from the Cardinals Wednesday while also releasing pitcher John Ely and designating outfielder J.D. Martinez for assignment. Infielder Jake Elmore was also claimed off waivers by the White Sox.

Jackson went 0 for 7 in seven appearances with the Cardinals last season while also hitting .278/.352/.346 with three home runs, 34 RBI and nine stolen bases in 442 at-bats with Triple-A Memphis. Ely pitched just four Triple-A innings before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Martinez hit .250/.272/.378 with seven home runs and 36 RBI in 296 at-bats with the Astros last season.