VIERA, Fla. – Astros infielder Jake Elmore, who had been out for five days with a strained left oblique, returned to the lineup Thursday against the Washington Nationals to continue his quest for a spot on the opening day lineup. “They were being cautious with it because if you tear it you could be out two or three months,” he said. “They were real cautious with it. It feels 100 percent now so I’m ready to go.” Elmore was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks last November, and he’s competing for a utility infield spot. He realizes he cannot afford to miss many days, but he also cannot risk [...]