Elarton made the opening day roster as the 5th starter. Through 8 starts, he posted an ERA of 9.80 without winning a decision and also set a Colorado record for most consecutive decision losses to open a season, as he opened the season 0–6. The Rockies released him in mid-May. Cleveland Indians (2004–2005) After being released by the Rockies in 2004, he was signed to a Minor-League contract by Cleveland and was soon back in the Majors. He posted a 4.53 ERA and win–loss record of 3–5 and earned his first victory on July 29 against the Tigers, pitching 7 innings. On August 29, 2004, Elarton pitched the best game of his career against the Chicago White Sox, a two-hit complete game shutout, allowing only one walk and recording six strikeouts. In 2005, Elarton spent his first season entirely in the Majors since 2001. He recorded his first double-digit winning season since 2000. He responded with an 11–9 record for the second-place Indians and a 4.61 ERA while ranking among the ten worst in home runs allowed for the second year in a row. Kansas City Royals (2006–2007) After the 2005 season, Elarton was signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Royals. In 2006, Elarton gave up Derek Jeter's 2000th career hit. Elarton was shut down after 20 starts, finishing with a 4–9 record and a strikeout/walk ratio of 3.8 (49 strikeouts, 52 walks) in 114 innings. The Royals released him on July 25, 2007, after going 2–4 with a 10.46 ERA in 37 innings. Return to the Cleveland Indians (2008) He signed a Minor League contract with the Indians on August 3, 2007. He re-signed with the Indians on February 8, 2008, to a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training. He was called up to the majors on May 24. On July 8, Elarton was put on the 15-day disabled list with a non-baseball condition. He had been on the restricted list prior to that with what Indians manager Eric Wedge described as "personal issues." Chicago White Sox (2010) After taking a year off from baseball, Elarton signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. He appeared in just 16 games for their minor league affiliate Charlotte Knights after being hampered by a toe injury the whole season. Philadelphia Phillies (2012) Elarton spent the following years battling numerous injuries and remaining outside of