Fantasy baseball: Rookie call-ups may see some playing time

It's the time of the year when many of the top prospects get called up to the major leagues. Reliever Drew Storen, a future closer, is already in Washington and Buster Posey, a catcher/first baseman, was brought up to the Giants last week.

Phenom righthanded starter Stephen Strasburg will make his debut Tuesday and catcher Carlos Santana and outfielder Michael Stanton are close, too. It's always risky to invest heavily in rookies in re-draft leagues, but all of these players should have an impact, especially the two catchers, so you can consider adding them. And, if you lost Grady Sizemore, Kendry Morales, Jason Bartlett or Brett Anderson, here are some possible replacements and their stats:

Seth Smith (Rockies, OF): It has been tough to use Smith in mixed weekly leagues because of the crowded Rockies outfield. The demotion of Dexter Fowler means Smith will face most righthanders. Smith hit .299 with 18 runs, four home runs, and 10 RBIs in 77 at-bats in May and has a career .296 average and an .898 OPS against righthanders.

Kris Medlen (Braves, SP): Whether he starts or pitches out of the bullpen, the righthander has been successful. Since replacing Jair Jurrjens in the rotation, Medlen is 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA and has pitched 251/3 innings in four starts, allowing 26 hits with a 16/6 K/BB ratio.

Angel Pagan (Mets, OF): Pagan quietly puts up good numbers. He's moved to No. 2 in the order and has a .293 average with 30 runs, four home runs, 23 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.

Jason Hammel (Rockies, SP): Hammel got off to an awful start and spent time on the disabled list with a groin injury. Since his return, he has a 3.86 ERA with a 26/3 K/BB ratio in 252/3 innings over four starts. There's a lot to like with a 7.92 K/9 and 2.23 BB/9. A high .363 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) and below average 60.7 percent strand rate along with a 3.76 fielding independent pitching (FIP) show Hammel can help you.

Reid Brignac (Rays, SS): Jason Bartlett was placed on the disabled list and Brignac will get most of the time in his absence. Brignac is batting .299 with 18 runs, two home runs, and 22 RBIs.

John Axford (Brewers, RP): Trevor Hoffman will likely be given a chance to regain the job as closer, but Hoffman allowed three runs in one inning for a loss following three scoreless innings. Axford has been successful so far converting all three save opportunities with an 11/4 K/BB ratio in 92/3 innings. He has a history of poor control throughout his minor-league career, but he is the most likely to get saves for now.

Jeremy Bonderman (Tigers, SP): Bonderman had a terrific May with a 1.33 ERA. He has a 3.72 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 44/18 K/BB ratio in 552/3 innings.

Only league pickups: Neil Walker (Pirates), Jerry Hairston Jr. (Padres), David Murphy (Rangers), Jayson Nix (White Sox), Nick Hundley (Padres)

All stats through Thursday.