Ely, a 26-year old 6'2" 200lb RHP, debuted for the Dodgers in 2010, going 4-10 in 18 starts. He threw 15.1IP at the Major-League level in 2011-12 with not-great results (2.2IP, 6H/6ER, 3K:4BB).
Aha! But at Triple-A Albuquerque in 2012, Ely was 14-7 with a 3.20 ERA/1.10 WHIP, with 165K:36BB in 168.2IP, for a 4.58 K:BB ratio. This earned him the pitching triple crown (wins, ERA, strikeouts) and the PCL Pitcher of the Year. Even better, he has an option remaining, so he can make a trip between Houston and OKC, if need be.
Rob Rasmussen, 23, threw 54.1IP for Corpus in 2012 after coming over from Miami's organization, jumping a level from High-A Jupiter to Double-A Corpus. In his time as a Hook, Rasmussen had a 4.80 ERA/1.40 WHIP, with 44K:18BB.
The SP candidate list is now getting a little clogged because, as of now, here are the SPs with a chance to make the rotation:
John Ely, Lucas Harrell, Philip Humber, Dallas Keuchel, Jordan Lyles, Bud Norris, and Alex White. (This list includes the possibility that Cosart could get a shot at the closer role.)
That's a lot of young pitching. In fact,
Rasmussen was not on the 40-man roster, so a corresponding roster move will have to be made.