Fantasy: Strong replacements for injured stars

It has been one of those weeks where the impact of injuries left fantasy owners feeling like a piano just dropped on their head. Grady Sizemore, Andre Ethier, Jorge Posada and Josh Beckett were just some of the early-round picks who landed on the disabled list. Here are some possible replacements.

Luke Scott (Orioles, 1B/OF): When Scott gets hot, he really helps you. He is on one of those torrid streaks with a .396 average, seven home runs and 13 RBIs in 53 at-bats in May. Scott must love this month because last May, he hit .432 with eight home runs and 18 RBIs in 44 at-bats.

Carlos Villanueva (Brewers, RP): Trevor Hoffman isn't out of the closer's role officially, but he was given some time off to work on his mechanics. Villanueva got the chance to close Thursday and pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save. He has pitched better in relief throughout his career and a 2.91 ERA with a 27/8 K/BB ratio in 212/3 innings this season back it up.

Kris Medlen (Braves, SP): Jair Jurrjens suffered a setback with his hamstring injury, leaving Medlen in the rotation a little longer. Don't be surprised if Medlen stays there. He was excellent in the minors and has a 98/35 K/BB ratio in 97 major-league innings. Medlen has a 2.45 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with a 26/5 K/BB ratio in 291/3 innings.

Jonny Gomes (Reds, OF): The power has always been there and he's hitting .404 with three homers and 13 RBIs this month. Overall, he's hitting .304 with five home runs and 25 RBIs.

Anibal Sanchez (Marlins, SP): He's healthy and improved his control (2.92 BB/9). The strikeouts are beginning to come, as well, with 15 in his last 14 innings.

Clay Hensley (Marlins, RP): The setup man is useful in deep mixed leagues with a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 30/8 K/BB ratio in 221/3 innings.

John Ely (Dodgers, SP): He has walked none and struck out 21 in 192/3 innings his last three starts.

Keep an eye on

Max Scherzer (Tigers, SP): In his first start since being demoted to Triple-A, Scherzer allowed one hit and struck out 10 in eight innings. His velocity was down with the Tigers, but he was consistently throwing in the 92-95 mph range Thursday at Triple-A.

Carlos Santana (Indians, C): Santana is one of the top prospects and should be called up soon. The Indians aren't in contention and Lou Marson isn't cutting it at catcher. Santana is batting .324 with nine home runs, 39 RBIs and a .588 slugging percentage in 136 at-bats at Triple-A.

Chris Iannetta (Rockies, C): He was demoted to Triple-A after hitting .166 in 30 at-bats. Talk about small samples. He has nothing to prove in the minors and is batting .362 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 58 at-bats since being sent down. He will be fantasy relevant this season.

All statistics through Thursday.