He attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois, where he compiled a 27-5 career record, including one perfect game.

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.

[3] 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 145+1⁄3 innings pitched.

[3] Prior to the 2010 season, Ely was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers (along with Jon Link) for outfielder Juan Pierre.

[3] On April 28, 2010, Ely received his first Major League callup when he was added to the Dodgers roster and started for the team against the New York Mets.

[4] 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.

[6] 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.

[12] Assigned to the Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League, Ely suffered an injury after one appearance, requiring Tommy John surgery.

On December 13, 2013, the Boston Red Sox signed Ely to a minor league deal, that included a spring training invitation.

Ely signed with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball following his release.